East Hertfordshire Council Part 3: Playing Pitch

EAST HERTFORDSHIRE COUNCIL

PART 3: PLAYING PITCH STRATEGY

SEPTEMBER 2017

Nortoft Partnerships Limited 2 Green Lodge Barn, Nobottle, Northampton NN7 4HD Tel: 01604 586526 Fax: 01604 587719 Email: [email protected] Web: www.nortoft.co.uk

INTRODUCTION

This Playing Pitch Strategy is part of East Herts Council’s Open Space and Sports Facilities Assessment Technical Study, which covers open space, built facilities and playing pitches. The background and context report is Part 1 as this applies to all the sports facility provision, so the overall structure for the reports are:

Part 1: Background and context

Part 2: Built facilities strategy

Part 3: Playing pitch strategy

Part 4: Open spaces

A key driver is the effective delivery of leisure services across East Herts and a need to ensure that a strategic network of sports facilities is in place to cater for the needs of the current and expected future populations. The Strategy will also:

 Provide the evidence base for relevant planning policies contained within the emerging Local Plan for East Herts.

 Identify the provision required to help support the implementation of local health and well-being programmes.

 Assist with prioritising funding applications.

 Inform local development management decisions.

 Support Neighbourhood Plans by providing a detailed local evidence base.

 Help to inform the Local Plans of the surrounding authorities.

 Give guidance on the phasing of provision to meet new growth, and the priorities for investment.

This report specifically includes the assessment of the following types of pitch. Some of these pitch types are strategic in nature and have involved cross boundary discussions and agreement between East Herts and its adjacent authorities in order to take account of the planned growth over the boundaries.

 Adult grass football pitches

 Youth grass 11v11 football pitches

 Youth grass 9v9 football pitches

 Mini-soccer grass 7v7 football pitches

 Mini-soccer grass 5v5 football pitches

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches

 Grass and artificial turf cricket pitches

 Grass rugby pitches

 Artificial Grass Pitches for hockey

SECTION 1: ASSESSMENT PROCESS/METHODOLOGY

1.1 This Part 3 strategy considers the playing pitches used by the community for sport and physical activity. The approach to this assessment and the development of the recommendations reflects the guidance in the Sport England ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ of July 2013.

East Hertfordshire

1.2 East Hertfordshire is a predominantly rural district covering an area of 477 square kilometres (184 square miles). There are over 100 small villages and hamlets in the district in addition to the five historic market towns of Bishop’s Stortford, Buntingford, Hertford, Sawbridgeworth and Ware. These towns provide a range of services to the nearby rural area. The southern third of the district lies within the London Metropolitan Green Belt, while the rest of the northern and central area lies within the Rural Area Beyond the Green Belt. The District is bordered by larger towns, with Stevenage and Welwyn Garden City to the west and Harlow to the south-east.

1.3 The district has good road and rail transport links and is well connected to the wider area. The A1M and M11 run close to the western and eastern boundaries of the district respectively. Within the district, the A414 runs from west to east whilst the A10 cuts the district from north to south. The district benefits from two mainline rail links into London. Stansted Airport lies adjacent to the north-eastern boundary of the district within Uttlesford district. The district’s excellent transport links make it an attractive place to live and as such continue to create pressure for new development, particularly housing.

Methodology

1.4 The methodology used for each type of pitch included in the playing pitch strategy adopts the approach advocated in Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ (2013). The process involves five stages and ten steps as follows:

 Stage A - Prepare and tailor the approach (Step 1).

 Stage B - Gather information on the supply of and demand for provision (Steps 2 and 3).

 Stage C - Assess the supply and demand information and views (Steps 4, 5 and 6).

 Stage D - Develop the strategy (Steps 7 and 8).

 Stage E - Deliver the strategy and keep it robust and up-to-date (Steps 9 and 10).

Assessing current needs

1.5 To assess whether the current provision is adequate to meet existing demand an understanding of the situation at all sites available to the community needs to be developed. This is achieved by providing a brief overview for each site, which comprises:

 A comparison between the carrying capacity of a site with how much demand currently takes place there. The carrying capacity of a site is defined as the amount of play it can regularly accommodate over an appropriate period of time without adversely affecting its quality and use. Demand is defined in terms of the number of ‘match equivalent’ sessions at each site.

 An indication of the extent to which pitches and related facilities are being used during their respective peak periods.

 The key issues with and views on the provision at a site and its use.

 The site overviews identify the extent to which pitches are

- Being overplayed - where use exceeds the carrying capacity.

- Being played to the level the site can sustain - where use matches the carrying capacity.

- Potentially able to accommodate some additional play - where use falls below the carrying capacity.

1.6 The situation at individual sites can then be aggregated to identify the potential for excess demand at some sites to be accommodated by excess supply at others in the locality. Other factors can also be assessed such as:

 Any demand being accommodated on sites with unsecured community access.

 The impact of latent or displaced demand.

 The situation at priority sites.

1.7 This analysis then enables an assessment to be made of the adequacy of existing pitch and related facility provision.

1.8 To identify more localised issues, a sub-area analysis has been devised and approved by the project steering group and the governing bodies of the pitch sports. It is based upon Middle Super Output Areas (MSOAs), clustered around the main service centres in the district and is illustrated in the map below:

Figure 1: East Herts sub-areas

1.9 The population in each sub-area is as follows:

Figure 2: East Herts sub-area populations

Sub-area Population Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds 42,500 Buntingford and surrounds 20,600 Hertford, Ware and surrounds 62,300 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds 14,500 Watton-at-Stone and surrounds 7,200

Source: ONS MSOA mid-2013 estimates (2014)

1.10 The sub-areas also relate neatly to the planned housing growth in East Herts, as the table below reveals and the assessment of future needs (described below) has applied the respective population growth within each sub-area accordingly:

Figure 3: East Herts housing targets and population growth to 2033

Sub-area Proposed development Housing target to 2033 Extra Population 2033 Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford North 4,143 9,612 Bishop’s Stortford South Buntingford East of Stevenage 1,700 3,944 Hertford and Ware North and east of Ware 1,950 4,524 Hertford Sawbridgeworth Gilston Garden Village 3,550 8,236 Sawbridgeworth Watton-at-Stone East of Welwyn Garden 1,350 3,132 East Herts - 12,693 29,448

Assessing future needs

1.11 The methodology applied to assess the additional future needs for pitches arising from future population growth involves the approach advocated in Sport England’s PPS guidance, namely:

 Establishing projected population change.

 Analysing sports development proposals and participation trends.

 Considering existing deficiencies or spare capacity.

 Taking account of any forthcoming changes to facility supply.

1.12 Much of the projected housing growth in East Herts is on the periphery of the district and in some cases proposed major developments straddle the boundary.

The assessment of future needs has therefore been co-ordinated with neighbouring areas involving:

 Dialogue with neighbouring local authorities on their respective playing pitch assessments and the principles sharing developer contributions across boundaries.

 Development of a common approach to assumptions about the demography of the growth areas and its impact upon pitch demand.

Assessed demand parameters

1.13 Analysis of the above factors influencing the future supply and demand for playing pitches in the borough has led to the following conclusions, which are reflected in the subsequent assessment of future needs:

 Population change: The ‘Greater Essex Demographic Forecasts 2012 - 2037’ (2012) suggest that the population of East Herts may rise to 179,560 by 2033. This represents an increase of 17.7%.

 Participation trends: For the purposes of modelling, a rate of future demand increases of 0.5% per annum has been agreed with the steering group. The rationale behind this approach is that projecting pitch needs based upon a no growth in participation would mean that the Council’s objective of getting more people active may be constrained if pitch needs are based the current rate of participation. The rates of participation across all pitch sports and the demand for pitch space will be kept under review, and will be a key consideration when this strategy is fully reviewed in approximately 5 years.

 Changes in supply: Any known proposed additional pitch or related facilities provision will help to accommodate some of the additional demand arising from the increased population and this has been included in the capacity assessments.

Delivering future needs

1.14 To identify the most appropriate way to meet the additional pitch needs arising from population and participation growth, four sequential questions were addressed:

 Existing deficiency or spare capacity: To what extent do existing pitches have any current shortfalls or any over-supply?

 Additional needs: What additional needs will arise from population growth?

 Accommodating needs: Which needs can be met in whole or part by spare capacity in existing pitches and which will need to be met in whole or part by new provision?

 Extra pitches: What extra pitches of each type are required to provide for the residual unmet demand?

1.15 The methodology in Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ provides quantified answers to the above questions as follows:

 Current provision: The adequacy of current provision and any existing spare capacity has been assessed.

 Additional needs: Additional needs have been calculated by identifying the existing Team Generation Rates in East Herts, including a component to reflect unmet, latent and displaced demand, to identify the number of people that are currently required to form a team of various types in each of the pitch sports. These figures have then been applied to the projected population and increased participation in 2025, to calculate the gross additional teams and their related pitch needs.

 Net requirements: The net requirement for additional provision has been calculated by comparing the extra required capacity to the current spare capacity where appropriate, to identify the difference.

Sources of information

1.16 Information was gathered from a wide range of consultees including:

 East Herts Council’s Leisure Services Development Manager and Planning Policy Officers, who provided information on pitch provision, grounds maintenance and policy issues.

 The governing bodies of the pitch sports - the Hertfordshire FA, Hertfordshire Cricket, the Rugby Football Union and England Hockey - who provided information on clubs and teams and assisted with the clubs’ consultation.

 Hertfordshire Sports Partnership, who provided information on the wider county context.

 Local pitch sport clubs, who provided information on their current and future pitch needs and aspirations, via on-line surveys and meetings.

 Local pitch providers and/or managers who provided information on the operation and use of their pitches.

 Local schools, who provided information on their pitch provision, the extent to which it meets their needs, any current community use and attitudes to expanding this in the future.

 League secretaries, who provided information on affiliation trends and pitch quality.

 The neighbouring local authorities (Uttlesford District Council, Epping Forest District Council and Harlow District Council, Stevenage Borough Council, North Hertfordshire District Council, Broxbourne District Council and Welwyn Hatfield Council) supplied information on their respective pitch strategies and any cross-border issues.

 Sport England, who advised on the methodological approach and policy issues and provided data from their Facilities Planning Model National Runs for artificial turf pitches.

The criteria assessed

1.17 The following pitch criteria were assessed:

 Quantity: The number of pitches and related facilities was established and cross checked against other sources provided by local stakeholders and consultees.

 Quality: The quality of playing pitches was assessed by visiting every pitch in East Herts during the respective playing seasons and assessing quality criteria using the recognised non-technical visual assessment criteria. The ratings for each aspect of each pitch were checked and challenged via the clubs’ survey and stakeholder consultation and amended where necessary.

 Accessibility: The accessibility of pitches, in particular the extent of secured community use and pricing was assessed, to identify any barriers to use that might impact on the capacity of local provision.

 Access: The geographical spread of each type of pitch was mapped, the extent of catchment coverage was then determined and any gaps established.

 Strategic priorities: The assessment of need and priorities for provision was identified by the governing bodies of the respective pitch sports.

 Used capacity: The used capacity of existing pitches at each site was assessed using a bespoke supply-demand spreadsheet.

SECTION 2: FOOTBALL PITCH NEEDS IN EAST HERTS

The key local stakeholders

2.1 East Herts Council: The council provides grass football pitches at eleven sites in the district, with grounds maintenance provided by its appointed contractor HTS (Property and Environment) Ltd.

2.2 The Hertfordshire FA: The Hertfordshire FA administers football in the county.

2.3 FA-affiliated clubs: 68 football clubs, collectively comprising 407 teams, draw their playing membership from East Herts and are affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA.

2.4 Schools: There are 57 schools with football pitch provision in East Herts. There is community use of some school pitches.

2.5 Other pitch providers: Other local football pitch providers include the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust, Wodson Park Trust, Silverleys Trust.

Strategic context

Football Association Strategy

2.6 The Football Association’s ‘National Game Strategy 2015 - 2019’ (2015) has a number of ambitious targets with important implications for the organisation of football and its facilities needs at grassroots level. In particular, it seeks to:

 Boost female youth participation by 11% by 2019.

 Increase the number of over 16s playing every week by over 200,000, by offering a variety of formats by 2019.

 Create 100 new ‘3G’ football turf pitches and improve 2,000 grass pitches by 2019.

 Develop ‘Football Hubs’ in ‘areas where pressures on the local game are greatest’. The aim of the new programme is to create a new sustainable model for football facilities based around ‘3G’ pitches and high quality grass pitches on Hub Sites.

 Ensure that 50% of youth football and mini-soccer pitches are played on ‘3G’ pitches by 2019.

Pitch strategies in neighbouring areas

2.7 Uttlesford: Uttlesford is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is good via the M11 and A120. The ‘Uttlesford Sports Facilities Development Strategy’ (2016) has been adopted by the council and includes the following elements of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There is a current deficit equivalent to one adult football pitch, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from Uttlesford that contributes to this, nor of any exported demand to mitigate it.

 Youth football: There is a current deficit equivalent to 6 youth football pitches and whilst there is no evidence of any imported demand from Uttlesford that contributes to this, there is some exported demand from the Bishop’s Stortford area.

 Mini-soccer: There is current spare capacity equivalent to one mini-soccer pitch and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts, nor of any exported demand from Uttlesford to East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There are currently no ‘3G’ pitches in Uttlesford, leaving an assessed deficit of more than three pitches. There is evidence of exported demand from Uttlesford to ‘3G’ pitches in East Herts.

2.8 Harlow: Harlow is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Sawbridgeworth sub-area. Accessibility towards Hertford is good via the A414 but links to Sawbridgeworth via the A1184 are slower. Harlow District Council is currently reviewing its playing pitch strategy but the following emerging findings are of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There is current districtwide spare capacity of adult football pitches and there is no evidence of imported demand from East Herts.

 Youth football: There is a collective shortfall of youth football pitches in the district, which is contributed to by exported demand from East Herts, with Bishop’s Stortford Community FC using pitches at Paringdon Sports Club.

 Mini-soccer: There is a collective shortfall of mini-soccer pitches in the district, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts that contributes to this, nor of any exported demand to East Herts to mitigate it.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There a shortfall of ‘3G’ pitches in Harlow, with evidence of exported demand to facilities in East Herts.

2.9 Epping Forest: Epping Forest district is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. The ‘Epping Forest Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment’ (2012) is currently being updated by the council but pending the emergence of detailed findings, dialogue with the council and the FA has identified the following current issues of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There appears to be current districtwide spare capacity, with no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts, nor of any exported demand from Epping Forest to East Herts.

 Youth football: There is a shortfall of youth football pitches in the district, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts that contributes to this, nor of any exported demand to East Herts to mitigate it.

 Mini-soccer: There is a shortfall of mini-soccer pitches in the district, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts that contributes to this, nor of any exported demand to East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There is only one full-sized ‘3G’ football turf pitch in the district, along with several small-sided facilities. The FA believes that there is a significant shortfall of provision in Epping Forest district.

2.10 Broxbourne: Broxbourne is located to the south of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Ware sub-area. Accessibility is generally very good via the A10 corridor. The ‘Broxbourne Leisure Facilities Strategy: Outdoor Facilities’ (2013) has been adopted by the council and includes the following assessment of needs of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There is current spare capacity equivalent to 20 adult football pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Youth football: There is a current deficit equivalent to 27 youth football pitches, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Mini-soccer: There is a current deficit equivalent to 2 mini-soccer pitches, although there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: Supply and demand are broadly in balance, although there is some evidence of imported demand from East Herts, with Ware Youth FC using the pitch at John Warner Sports Centre.

2.11 Welwyn Hatfield: Welwyn Hatfield is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Watton-at-Stone sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A414 provides connections to Hertford. The ‘Welwyn Hatfield Sports Facilities Strategy: A Vision to 2026’ (2010) is considered by Sport England to be out of date, but dialogue with the council and the FA has identified the following current issues of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There appears to be current spare capacity of adult football pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Youth football: There is a deficit youth football pitches and there is some evidence of exported demand from East Herts with Hertford Town FC using pitches at Welham Green.

 Mini-soccer: There appears to be current spare capacity of mini-soccer pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There are only two full-sized ‘3G’ pitches in the district, plus 11 small-sided pitches and the FA believes that there is a significant shortfall of provision. There is some evidence of imported demand from East Herts.

2.12 North Hertfordshire: North Hertfordshire is located to the north and north-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A507 provides connections to Baldock and the A10 to Royston. The ‘North Hertfordshire Playing Pitch Strategy’ (2015) has been adopted by the council and includes the following assessment of needs of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There is current spare capacity of 4 adult football pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Youth football: There is current spare capacity of 4 youth football pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Mini-soccer: There is current spare capacity of 5 mini-soccer pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: Supply and demand are broadly in balance and there is no evidence of imported demand from East Herts.

2.13 Stevenage: Stevenage is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, although the A602 provides connections to Watton-at-Stone. The ‘Stevenage Sports Facilities Assessment and Strategy’ (2014) has been adopted by the council and includes the following assessment of needs of relevance to football in East Herts:

 Adult football: There is current spare capacity of 10 adult football pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 Youth football: There is a current deficit of 3 youth football pitches and there is some evidence of exported demand to East Herts, with use of the Walkern Recreation Ground by Austen Arrowheads FC from Stevenage.

 Mini-soccer: There is current spare capacity of 10 mini-soccer pitches and there is no evidence of any imported demand from East Herts.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: Supply and demand are broadly in balance, although there are issues of affordability. There is some evidence of imported demand from East Herts, with Watton Youth FC using the Stevenage Academy pitches for training.

The implications for East Herts

2.14 The implications of the strategic context for football in East Herts are as follows:

 ‘3G’ pitches: The increased dependence on ‘3G’ football turf pitches for youth football and mini-soccer matches by 2019 will need to be assessed in the context of the local availability of such pitches.

 Football Hubs: Football Hubs are being promoted by the FA as a more sustainable method of providing football facilities, compared with multiple single pitch sites. East Herts Council should consider how this can support the improvement of football facilities and participation locally.

 Neighbouring areas: Several neighbouring districts have assessed deficiencies in pitch provision, particularly youth football and mini-soccer pitches and there is some evidence of exported demand from East Herts that contributes to this.

Football pitch demand

Introduction

2.15 This section summarises the demand for football in East Herts and covers:

 Expressed demand.

 Displaced demand.

 Unmet demand

 Latent demand.

 Demand trends.

 The views of local stakeholders on demand.

Expressed demand

2.16 The following football clubs and teams are affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA and are based in East Herts. The information is arranged by sub-area and was supplied by the Hertfordshire FA through its ‘Whole Game System’ database, cross-referenced to the clubs’ survey.

2.17 A questionnaire survey of clubs affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA produced responses from 17 clubs, collectively representing 284 teams or 69.8% of the 407 affiliated teams in East Herts. This was followed up with meetings with the key clubs, to explore additional issues. The following clubs responded:

 Bengeo Tigers FC  Bishop’s Stortford Community FC  Bishop’s Stortford Swifts FC  Bridge House FC  Buntingford Cougars Junior FC  Buntingford Town FC  Bury Rangers FC  Hertford Heath FC  Hertford Town Youth FC  Mangrove FC  Real Stortford FC  Ware Youth FC  Watton Ladies FC  Watton Youth FC  Westmill FC  Wodson Park FC  Wolfpack United FC

2.18 Pitches used outside the district are marked in italics, as are teams from outside the district that are using pitches in East Herts:

Figure 4: Clubs and teams in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Club Match venue Training Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini venue(s) teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams Albury FC Albury Football 1 - - - - Ground Albury Saints FC Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - Leisure Centre Birchwood Rangers Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - FC Leisure Centre Bishop’s Stortford FC Prokit Stadium Prokit Stadium 4 - - - - Bishop’s Stortford Grange Paddocks Birchwood 10 22 13 16 10 Community FC Leisure Centre High School Pearce House Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust Paringdon SC Bishop’s Stortford Silverleys Leventhorpe 4 3 - - - Swifts FC Academy Bishop’s Stortford Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - Wanderers FC Leisure Centre Casuals & Pelham FC Brewery Field 1 - - - - Grange United FC Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - Leisure Centre Hockerill Tens FC Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - Leisure Centre Real Stortford FC Grange Paddocks Hockerill - 2 - - - Leisure Centre College AGP Standon and Standon Memorial 2 - - - - Puckeridge FC Playing Field Stortford Cobras FC Grange Paddocks 1 - - - - Leisure Centre TOTALS - - 28 27 13 16 10

Figure 5: Clubs and teams in Buntingford and surrounds

Club Match venue Training Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini venue(s) teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams Austen Arrowheads Walkern - 1 3 1 1 FC Recreation Ground Boca Seniors FC Freman College 1 - - - - Buntingford Cougars The Bury Norfolk Road - 6 4 5 5 FC London Road MUGA Playing Field Edwinstree Middle School Seth Ward Community Centre Norfolk Road Recreation Ground Buntingford Town The Bury The Bury 3 - - - - FC Norfolk Road MUGA Buntingford Seth Ward 2 - - - - Wanderers FC Community Centre Cottered FC Cottered Playing 2 - - - - Field Dane End United FC Horseman’s 1 - - - - Meadow FC Benington Benington 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Hares Youth FC Ralph Sadleir 1 2 2 1 2 School Braughing Playing Fields Pig and Whistle FC Aston Park 1 - - - - Standon and Standon Memorial 2 - - - - Puckeridge FC Playing Field Thundridge City FC Thundridge Playing 1 - - - - Fields Thundridge United Thundridge Playing 2 - - - - FC Fields Westmill FC Westmill Norfolk Road 2 - - - - Recreation Ground MUGA TOTALS - - 19 9 9 7 8

Figure 6: Clubs and teams in Hertford and Ware

Club Match venue Training venue(s) Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams Allenbury’s FC Allenbury’s Sports Allenbury’s S & SC 1 - - - - & Social Club Allenbury’s Sports Allenbury’s Sports Allenbury’s S & SC 1 - - - - FC & Social Club Angels Lions FC Presdales 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Angel Ware FC Presdales 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Bengeo Tigers FC The Sele School Simon Balle School - 6 2 9 10 Hollybush School Bengeo Trinity FC Bengeo Recreation 2 - - - - Ground Bury Rangers FC Presdales Wodson Park ‘3G’ 5 11 9 10 8 Recreation Ground Simon Balle School Hartham Common Christchurch Ware Presdales 1 - - - - FC Recreation Ground FC Sloppys Presdales 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Harts Horns FC Hartham Common 1 - - - - Hertford Corinthians Presdales 1 - - - - FC Recreation Ground Hertford Heath FC Hertford Heath Hertford Heath 1 2 2 - 2 Playing Fields Playing Fields Hertford Stags FC Wormley Playing 1 - - - - Field Hertford Town FC Wodson Park Wodson Park ‘3G’ 12 11 6 10 7 Sports Centre Hartham Common County Hall ‘3G’ Ground Simon Balle School Hartham Common Haileybury School Simon Balle School West Street Playing Field Hunter United FC Hartham Common 1 - - - - Lions FC Trinity Playing - 1 - - - - Field Mangrove FC Hartham Common Wodson Park ‘3G’ 3 - - - - Spread Eagle FC Presdales 1 - - - - Recreation Ground

Club Match venue Training venue(s) Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury 2 - - - - FC Sports & Soc. Club St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury 1 - - - - United FC Sports & Soc. Club St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury 2 2 4 2 3 Youth FC Sports & Soc. Club Cranbourne Primary School John Warner Sports Centre New Rivers Education Centre The Bridge House Hartham Common 1 - - - - FC The Hertford Hartham Common 1 - - - - Hounds FC Turnford Tigers Presdales 1 - - - - FC Recreation Ground Ware FC Ware FC Ware FC 7 - - - - Wodson Park Wodson Park Sports Centre Sports Centre Ware Lions FC Thundridge Sports 2 2 3 3 3 Ground Hartham Common Ware Rangers FC Wodson Park - 3 4 4 2 Sports Centre St. Mary’s Junior School Sacred Heart Primary School Ware Sports FC Wodson Park 1 - - - - Sports Centre Ware Warriors FC Presdales 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Ware Youth FC Trinity Playing Wodson Park ‘3G’ 2 6 4 5 7 Fields John Warner ‘3G’ Wodson Park FC Wodson Park Wodson Park ‘3G’ 2 - - - - Sports Centre Wodson Park Crouchfields 3 3 3 2 2 Youth FC Wolfpack United Hartham Common 1 - - - - FC TOTALS - - 62 46 37 45 44

Figure 7: Clubs and teams in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Club Match venue Training venue(s) Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams Angels Saviours FC Widford Playing Field 1 - - - - Hadham Villa FC Much Hadham 1 - - - - Playing Field High Wych Youth St. George’s Playing - - 1 - - FC Field Much Hadham FC Much Hadham 1 - - - - Recreation Ground Sawbridgeworth Sawbridgeworth Sawbridgeworth 8 2 2 2 - Town FC Town FC Town FC TOTALS - - 11 2 3 2 0

Figure 8: Clubs and teams in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Club Match venue Training venue(s) Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini teams (11v11) (9v9) (7v7) (5v5) teams teams teams teams Watton-at- Watton-at-Stone Playing 1 - - - - Stone FC Field Watton Watton-at-Stone Playing Watton-at-Stone 1 - - - - Ladies FC Field Playing Field Walkern Playing Field Watton Watton-at-Stone Primary Stripes - 1 2 2 3 Youth FC School (Stevenage) All Saints Primary School Wodson Park Aston St. Marys Primary School TOTALS - - 2 1 2 2 3

Figure 9: The number of teams by sub-area in East Herts

Age group Bishop’s Buntingford Hertford and Sawbridgeworth Watton-at- Stortford Ware Stone Adult male football 26 18 60 9 1 Adult female football 2 1 2 2 1 Boys youth 11v11 football 23 9 42 2 1 Girls youth 11v11 football 4 0 4 0 0 Boys youth 9v9 football 11 9 32 3 2 Girls youth 9v9 football 2 0 5 0 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 16 7 45 2 2 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 10 8 44 0 3

Displaced demand

2.19 Displaced demand: Displaced demand relates to play by teams or other users of playing pitches from within the study area which takes place outside of the area. Examination of the data on where East Herts-based teams play their home games and do their training revealed the following:

 Match demand: All East Herts-based clubs currently play their home games on pitches within the district apart from the following, all of whom would prefer to accommodate their matches within East Herts:

- Bishop’s Stortford Community FC, which has three youth (11v11) teams playing on pitches in Harlow.

- St. Margaretsbury Youth FC, which has three youth (11v11), four youth (9v9), two mini (7v7) and four mini (5v5) teams playing on pitches in Broxbourne.

- Hertford Stags FC, which has one adult team playing in Broxbourne.

- Watton Youth FC, which has one mini-soccer (5v5) team playing on a pitch in Stevenage.

 Training demand: Teams from St. Margaretsbury FC, Ware Youth FC and Watton Youth FC all train on ‘3G’ pitches in Stevenage and Broxbourne. Several other teams play on non-specialist sand-filled artificial grass pitches at Hockerill College, Leventhorpe Academy, Simon Balle School and the Norfolk Road MUGA in Buntingford. This implies a lack of ‘3G’ pitch capacity in East Herts.

 Imported demand: There is limited evidence of imported demand, which is confined to six teams from Stevenage using the pitches at Walkern Recreation Ground. Club survey respondents identified that collectively 95.2% of their players originate from within East Herts and 4.8% from neighbouring areas.

Unmet demand

2.20 Unmet demand takes a number of forms:

 Teams may have access to a pitch for their matches but nowhere to train or vice versa.

 Pitches of a particular size or type may be unavailable to the community.

 The poor quality and consequent limited capacity of pitches in the area and/or a lack of provision and ancillary facilities which meet a certain standard of play/league requirement.

2.21 Consultation with clubs in East Herts revealed the following:

 41.2% of respondents to the football clubs survey currently have a waiting list.

 Clubs estimate that unmet demand is equivalent to a total of 17 adult male teams, 4 adult female teams, 23 youth male teams, 7 youth female teams and 26 mini-soccer teams.

 71.4% of club survey respondents cited a shortage of pitches as the main impediment to fielding more teams.

 92.9% of club survey respondents identified as lack of available training facilities and several teams train on pitches outside the district as a result.

Latent demand

2.22 Whereas unmet demand is known to currently exist latent demand is demand that evidence suggests may be generated from the current population should they have access to more or better provision. 37.5% of respondents to the clubs currently have a waiting list for youth football and mini-soccer teams, which suggests that there is significant latent demand at these age groups.

Demand trends

2.23 Local and national demand trends in East Herts indicate the following:

 National football participation rates: Based upon the national results of Sport England’s ‘Active People’ survey, adult (16+) participation in football has fallen over the period since 2005 as follows:

Figure 10: National adult football participation rates

2005/6 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/1 2011/2 2012/3 2013/4 2014/5 2015/6 % Change 4.97% 5.18% 5.08% 4.96% 4.98% 4.94% 4.25% 4.39% 4.34% 4.28% -0.69%

 Local affiliation data: The FA’s two most recent ‘Football Participation Reports’ (2013 to 2014) for East Herts reveal a fall in adult and youth male football, that was more than offset by an increase in youth female and mini-soccer teams.

Figure 11: Local football participation trends

Team category 2012/13 2013/14 % Change Adult men 116 111 -4.3% Adult women 7 6 -14.3% Youth male 155 149 -3.9% Youth female 10 12 +20.0% Mini-soccer 108 146 +35.2% TOTAL 396 424 +7.1%

 Future trends: 68.8% of East Herts club survey respondents expect to increase their membership over the next three years, by a collective total of 12 adult male teams, 3 adult female teams, 16 youth male teams, 5 youth female teams and 15 mini-soccer teams.

The views of local stakeholders on demand

2.24 The Hertfordshire FA: The key points are as follows:

 Larger clubs: The Hertfordshire FA has a strategy to encourage and support the development of larger football clubs with teams catering for all age groups and this has been successfully achieved in East Herts with at least one large club in each of the main centres of population. These are Bengeo Tigers FC (25 teams), Bishop’s Stortford Community FC (74 teams), Buntingford Cougars FC (20 teams), Bury Rangers FC (43 teams), Hertford Town FC (46 teams) and Ware Youth FC (24 teams).

 Impact on smaller clubs: One unintended consequence of the pitch demands of the larger clubs is that some single team village clubs are being displaced from their local pitch, to accommodate teams from the larger clubs, which has had a negative impact on football participation in the rural parts of the district.

2.25 FA-affiliated football clubs: A questionnaire survey of clubs affiliated to the Hertfordshire FA produced responses from 17 clubs, collectively representing 284 teams or 69.8% of the 407 affiliated teams in East Herts. This was followed up with meetings with the following key clubs, to explore additional issues. The consultation identified the following issues in relation to East Herts:

 Membership trends: Responding clubs indicated the following trends over the past three years. Five clubs are currently operating a waiting list for players and Buntingford Cougars FC stated that ‘the club overall has grown by 87% from 187 to 350 members in the three years to May 2016. Growth has been driven by increased marketing, community events e.g. school’s tournaments and a community where residential development is growing local population. The main growth has been in youngest pre-match section (we call them Cougars Cubs for 3 - 6 year olds) and mini soccer Under7 to Under10s’:

Figure 12: Football club membership trends in East Herts

Age group Increased (%) Stayed the same (%) Decreased (%) Adult male 41.7% 50.0% 8.3% Adult female 36.4% 63.6% 0% Youth male 83.3% 16.7% 0% Youth female 63.6% 36.4% 0% Mini-soccer 85.7% 0.0% 14.3%

 Issues inhibiting expansion: 81.4% of responding clubs indicated at least one issue that is inhibiting their expansion. The table below indicates the proportion of clubs affected by specific impediments to growth:

Figure 13: Issues inhibiting East Herts football clubs’ expansion

Factor % Clubs Shortage of pitches 84.6% Cost of pitches 47.1% Lack of funding 60.0% Shortage of coaches 14.3% Recruitment difficulties 14.3% Lack of volunteers 28.6%

 Area of origin of players: Responding clubs identified that collectively 95.2% of their players originate from within East Herts and 4.8% from neighbouring areas.

The implications for football in East Herts

2.26 Analysis of local demand for football in East Herts indicates the following:

 407 affiliated teams play football in East Herts and most local match demand can be accommodated within the district. Only 4.8% of players in East Herts teams live outside the district.

 Displaced demand for match play accounts for one adult male team, ten youth male teams and seven mini-soccer teams.

 Unmet demand due to lack of pitches is equivalent to a total of 17 adult male teams, 4 adult female teams, 23 youth male teams, 7 youth female teams and 26 mini-soccer teams.

 Latent demand based upon information supplied by local clubs is equivalent to 12 adult male teams, 3 adult female teams, 16 youth male teams, 5 youth female teams and 15 mini-soccer teams.

2.27 The table below summarises the above figures for the purposes of calculating team equivalents in East Herts:

Figure 14: Effective football team numbers in East Herts

Age group Expressed Displaced Unmet Latent Total demand demand demand demand demand Adult male football 112 1 17 12 142 Adult female football 8 0 4 3 15 Boys youth 11v11 football 72 5 10 4 91 Girls youth 11v11 football 8 0 2 2 12 Boys youth 9v9 football 52 5 13 4 74 Girls youth 9v9 football 7 0 3 3 13 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 68 4 7 8 87 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 62 3 8 7 80

Football pitch supply

Introduction

2.28 This section summarises the supply of football pitches in East Herts and covers:

 Grass pitches.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches.

 Pitch quality.

 Pitch maintenance.

 Pitch pricing.

 Ownership, management and security of access.

 The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply.

Grass pitches

2.29 Introduction: Provision of grass pitches in East Herts with regulation line markings and goalposts for organised football are listed below by sub-area. Where pitches are over-marked on other pitches, they are listed in brackets:

2.30 Grass football pitches with community use and used are as follows.

Figure 15: Grass football pitches with community use and used in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Albury Football Ground Parsonage Lane, Albury SG11 2HU 1 - - - - Bishops Stortford Sports Cricketfield Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 - 1 - - - Trust 2SR Braughing Playing Fields Green Lane, Braughing SG11 2QN 1 - - - - Brewery Field Brookside, Furneux Pelham SG9 0LQ 1 - - - - Friedberg Avenue Friedberg Avenue, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 - 1 1 - - Playing Fields 4RF Grange Paddocks Leisure Rye Street, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 2HH 6 2 1 3 - Centre Pearce House Parsonage Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 - - 2 - - 5BQ Prokit Stadium Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5RG 1 - - - - Silverleys Trust  Hadham Rd, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2QE 1 1 - - - TOTALS - 11 5 4 3 0

Figure 16: Grass football pitches with community use and used in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 All Saints Primary School  Hollybush Lane, Datchworth SG3 - - - 1 1 6RE Aston Park School Lane, Aston SG2 7EX 1 - - - - Aston Junior School School Lane, Aston SG2 7EU - - - 1 1 Benington Recreation Oak Tree Close, Benington SG2 1 - - - - Ground 7QZ Cottered Playing Field Baldock Road, Cottered SG9 9QW 1 - - - - Crouchfields Wadesmill Road, Ware SG12 0HA 1 1 2 2 1 Edwinstree Middle School Norfolk Rd, Buntingford SG9 9AW - - 1 - - Freman College Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford 2 - - - - SG9 9BT Horseman’s Meadow Munden Road, Dane End SG12 0LP 1 - - - - London Road Playing Field London Road, Buntingford SG9 9JY - - 1 - - Norfolk Road Playing Fields Norfolk Road, Buntingford SG9 1 - - - - 9AN Ralph Sadleir School Station Road, Puckeridge SG11 1TF - 1 1 1 1 Seth Ward Community Luynes Rise, Buntingford SG9 9SG 1 1 - - - Centre Standon Memorial Playing Station Road, Standon SG11 1TF 1 - - - - Field

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 The Bury London Road, Buntingford SG9 9JY 1 - - 1 2 Thundridge Playing Fields Cambridge Road, Thundridge 1 - - - - CM12 0SU Thundridge Sports Ground Cold Christmas Lane, Thundridge - 1 (1) 1 1 SG12 0SJ Walkern Jubilee Pavilion High Street, Walkern SG2 7NP - 2 1 (1) (1) Westmill Recreation Station Road, Westmill SG9 9LH 1 - - - - Ground TOTALS - 13 6 6(1) 7(1) 7(1)

Figure 17: Grass football pitches with community use and used in Hertford and Ware

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Allenbury Sports and Social Harris's Lane, Ware SG12 0DP 1 - - - - Club Bengeo Sports Field New Road, Hertford SG14 3JL 1 - - - - County Hall Sports Ground Leahoe, Hertford SG13 8EH - - 2 2 - Hartham Common/Leisure Hartham Lane, Hertford SG14 1QR 5 1 - 1 2 Centre Hertford Football Club West Street, Hertford SG13 8EZ 1 - - - - Hertford Heath Playing Trinity Road, Hertford Heath SG13 1 - - - 1 Fields 7QS Presdales Recreation Walnut Tree Walk, Ware SG12 9PB 2 3 2 (2) - Ground Sacred Heart Primary Broadmeads, Ware SG12 9HY - - 1 - - School St. Margaretsbury Sports & Lakes Court, Stansted Abbots SG12 2 (1) - - - Social Club 8EH St. Mary’s Junior School Heath Drive, Ware SG12 0RL - - - 1 1 Simon Balle School Mangrove Road, Hertford SG13 - 2 - - - 8AJ The Sele School Welwyn Road, Hertford SG14 2DG - 2 2 2 1 Trinity Playing Fields Fanham’s Hall Road, Ware SG12 - 3 2 1 2 7NN Ware Football Club Wadesmill Road, Ware SG12 0QU 1 - - - - West Street Playing Field West Street, Hertford SG13 8EZ - 1 - - - Wodson Park Sports Centre Wadesmill Road, Ware SG12 0QU 1 - - - - TOTALS - 15 12(1) 9 7(2) 7

Figure 18: Grass football pitches with community use and used in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Much Hadham Recreation Tower Hill, Much Hadham SG10 1 - - - - Ground 6DL St. George’s Playing Field High Wych Lane, High Wych CM21 - - 1 - - 0JJ Sawbridgeworth Town Crofter’s End, Sawbridgeworth 2 - - - - Football Club CM21 0DF Widford Playing Field Bell Lane, Widford SG12 8SH 1 - - - - TOTALS - 4 0 1 0 0

Figure 19: Grass football pitches with community use and used in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Crouchfields Wadesmill Road, Ware SG12 0HA 1 1 2 2 1 Watton-at-Stone Primary Rectory Lane, Watton-at-Stone - - 1 - - School SG14 3SG Watton-at-Stone School Lane, Watton-at-Stone 1 - - - - Recreation Ground SG14 3SB TOTALS - 2 1 3 2 1

2.31 Grass football pitches with community use but currently unused are as follows:

 Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds: None

 Buntingford and surrounds:

Figure 20: Grass football pitches with community use but currently unused in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Standon Memorial Playing Field Station Road, Standon SG11 1TF 1 - - - - The Meads B1368, Hare Street SG9 0DY 1 1 1 2 1 TOTALS - 2 1 1 2 1

 Hertford and Ware: None

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds:

Figure 21: Grass football pitches with community use but currently unused in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Bullfields Cutford Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9EA 1 - - - - TOTALS - 1 - - - -

 Watton-at-Stone and surrounds:

Figure 22: Grass football pitches with community use but currently unused in Watton-at- Stone and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Bramfield Playing Field Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL 1 - - - - Church Lane Playing Field Clusterbolts, Stapleford SG14 3ND - - 1 - - Tewin Recreation Ground Upper Green Road, Tewin AL6 0LE 1 - - - - TOTALS - 2 - 1 - -

2.32 Grass football pitches with no community use are as follows:

Figure 23: Grass football pitches with no community use in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 All Saints’ Primary School Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford - - - 2 - CM23 5BE Bishop’s Stortford College Maze Green Rd., Bishop's Stortford 2 1 2 - - CM23 2PJ Bishop’s Stortford High Great Hadham Rd., Bishop’s 6 - - - - School Stortford SG10 6FB Hillmead Primary School Woburn Avenue, Bishop's Stortford - - 1 - - CM23 4PW Manor Fields Primary Penningtons, Bishop's Stortford - - - 2 2 School CM23 4LE Northgate Primary School Cricketfield Lane, Bishop's Stortford - - - 1 - CM23 2RL Richard Whittington Thornbera Gardens, Bishop's - - - 1 - Primary School Stortford CM23 3NP St. Joseph’s Primary Great Hadham Road, Bishop's - - - 1 - School Stortford CM23 2NL St. Mary’s Catholic School Windhill, Bishop's Stortford CM23 1 1 - - - 2NQ

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Summercroft Primary Plaw Hatch Close, Bishop's Stortford - - - 1 - School CM23 5BJ Thorley Hill Primary Park Lane, Bishop's Stortford - - - 1 - School CM23 3NH Thorn Grove Primary Thorn Grove, Bishop's Stortford - - - 1 - School CM23 5LD Windhill 21 Windhill, Bishop's Stortford CM23 - - - 1 - 2NE TOTALS - 9 2 3 11 2

Figure 24: Grass football pitches with no community use in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Benington Primary School Walkern Road, Benington SG2 7LP - - - 1 - Layston First School The Causeway, Buntingford SG9 9EU - - - 1 - Little Munden Primary Dane End, Little Munden SG12 0NR - - 1 - - School Millfield First School Monks Walk, Buntingford SG9 9DT - - - - 1 St. Thomas of Canterbury High Street, Puckeridge SG11 1RZ - - 1 1 - Primary School Tewin Cowper Primary Cannons Meadow, Tewin AL6 0JU - - 1 - - School Thundridge Primary Ermine Street, Thundridge SG12 0SY - - 1 - 1 School Walkern Primary School High Street, Walkern SG2 7NS - - - 1 - TOTALS - 0 0 4 3 2

Figure 25: Grass football pitches with no community use in Hertford and Ware

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Abel Smith Primary School Churchfields, Hertford SG13 8AE - - 1 - - Amwell View School  Station Road, Stanstead Abbots 1 - - - - SG12 8EH Bengeo Primary School  The Avenue, Bengeo SG14 3DX - - - 1 - Chauncy School Park Road, Ware SG12 0DP 1 1 - 2 1 Christ Church Primary New Road, Ware SG12 7BT - - - 1 - School Hailey Hall School Hailey Lane, Hertford SG13 7PB 1 - - - - Hertford Heath Primary Woodland Road, Hertford Heath - - 1 - - School SG13 7QW Haileybury College Hertford SG13 7NU 3 - - - - Hertford St. Andrew’s Calton Avenue, Hertford SG14 2EP - - 1 1 - Primary School

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Hollybush Primary School Fordwich Rise, Hertford SG14 2DF - - - 1 - Kingshill Infants School Heath Drive, Ware SG12 0RL - - 1 1 - Middleton School Walnut Tree Walk, Ware SG12 9PD 1 - 1 - - Mill Mead Primary School Port Vale, Hertford SG14 3AA - - 1 - - Morgans Primary School Morgans Road, Hertford SG13 8DR - - - 1 - Priors Wood Primary Cozens Road, Ware SG12 7HZ - - 1 - - School Richard Hale School Morgan’s Walk, Hertford SG13 8BL - 2 - - - St. Andrew’s Primary Mill Race, Stanstead Abbotts - - - 1 - School SG12 8BZ St. Catherine’s Primary Park Road, Ware SG12 0AW - - - 1 - School St. Joseph’s RC Primary North Road, Hertford SG14 2BU - - - 1 - School St. Edmund’s College Farm Lane, Ware SG11 1DS 1 - - - - Tower Primary School Tower Road, Ware SG12 7LP - - - 1 - Wareside Primary School Reeves Green, Wareside, Ware - - - 1 - SG12 7QR Wheatcroft Primary Stanstead Road, Hertford SG13 - - 1 - - School 7HQ TOTALS - 8 3 8 13 1

Figure 26: Grass football pitches with no community use in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 High Wych Primary School High Wych Road, High Wych CM21 0JB - - 1 - - Leventhorpe Academy Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth 4 - - - - CM21 9BY Mandeville Primary School West Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 0BL - - 1 - - Reedings Junior School Bullfields, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9DD - 1 - - - Widford School Ware Road, Widford SG12 8RE - - 1 - - TOTALS - 4 1 3 0 0

Figure 27: Grass football pitches with no community use Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Address Adult Youth Youth Mini Mini 11v11 11v11 9v9 7v7 5v5 Tewin Cowper Primary School Cannons Meadow, Tewin AL6 0JU - - 1 - - TOTALS - 0 0 1 0 0

2.33 The number of grass pitches with each type of access in each sub-area in East Herts is as follows:

Figure 28: Grass football pitches in all community access categories by sub-area in East Herts

Pitch type Access Type Bishops Buntingford Hertford Sawbridge Watton-at- East Herts Stortford & Ware worth Stone Adult Community use/used 11 13 15 4 2 45 Community use/unused 0 2 0 1 2 5 No community use 9 0 8 4 0 21 Total pitches 20 15 23 9 4 71 Youth 11v11 Community use/used 5 6 12(1) 0 1 24(1) Community use/unused 0 1 0 0 0 1 No community use 2 0 3 1 0 6 Total pitches 7 7 15(1) 1 1 31(1) Youth 9v9 Community use/used 4 6(1) 9 1 3 23(1) Community use/unused 0 1 0 0 1 2 No community use 3 4 8 3 1 20 Total pitches 7 11(1) 17 4 5 42(1) Mini 7v7 Community use/used 4 6(1) 7(2) 0 2 20(3) Community use/unused 0 2 0 0 0 2 No community use 11 3 13 0 0 27 Total pitches 15 11(1) 20(2) 0 2 48(3) Mini 5v5 Community use/used 0 7(1) 9 0 1 17(1) Community use/unused 0 1 0 0 0 1 No community use 2 2 1 0 0 5 Total pitches 2 10(1) 10 0 1 23(1)

‘3G’ football turf pitches

2.34 Provision of ‘3G’ football turf pitches with community access in East Herts is as follows. All pitches are floodlit:

Figure 29: ‘3G’ football turf pitches with community use and used in East Herts

Site Address Sub-area Size Floodlit Hours of use Year built Birchwood  Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Bishop’s 70m x Yes 17.00 - 21.00 Weekdays 2007 High School Stortford CM23 5BD Stortford 44.5m 09.00 - 17.00 Weekends Hartham  Hartham Lane, Hertford Hertford 40m x Yes 06.30 - 22.00 Weekdays 2014 Leisure Centre SG14 1QR & Ware 25m 07.00 - 17.00 Weekends Hartham  Hartham Lane, Hertford Hertford 40m x Yes 06.30 - 22.00 Weekdays 2014 Leisure Centre SG14 1QR & Ware 25m 07.00 - 17.00 Weekends Wodson Park Wadesmill Road, Ware Hertford 103m x Yes 07.00 - 22.00 Weekdays 2015 Sports Centre SG12 0QU & Ware 63m 08.00 - 20.00 Saturday 09.00 - 21.00 Sunday

2.35 In addition to the pitches with community use, usage of the small-sided facility at Allenbury’s is restricted to the two Allenbury’s football clubs:

Figure 30: Small-sided ‘3G’ football turf pitches with community use and used in East Herts

Site Address Sub-area Size Floodlit Hours of use Year built Allenbury Sports Harris's Lane, Ware Hertford 40m x Yes 19.00 - 21.00 Weekdays 2009 & Social Club SG12 0DJ & Ware 25m

Grass pitch quality

2.36 The quality of all grass football pitches in East Herts was assessed from site visits during the playing season, to apply the Non-technical Visual Assessment criteria developed by the FA for use in conjunction with the ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’. The criteria assessed are as follows. A percentage score and associated ratings are generated as an overall measure of quality:

 The playing surface - This includes grass cover, pitch dimensions, gradient, evenness, length of grass, drainage and evidence of any unauthorised use.

 The changing facilities - This includes the availability of changing rooms, kitchen and/or bar, the interior and exterior appearance, showering and toilet provision, medical room, disability access and parking arrangements.

 Grounds maintenance - This includes the frequency of grass cutting, seeding, aeration, sand-dressing, fertilising, weed killing and chain harrowing.

2.37 The percentage scores generated equate to ratings of ‘Good’ for scores of 100% - 75% (highlighted in green below), ‘Standard’ for scores of 74.9% - 50% (highlighted in yellow below), ‘Poor’ for scores of 49.9% - 25% (highlighted in red below) and ‘Unsuitable’ below 25%. Comments on each site from the assessment visits and/or the clubs’ survey are also detailed and the sites are arranged by sub-area:

Figure 31: Grass football pitch quality in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Albury Football Adult 11v11 Pitch Poor Poor Pitch surface very uneven (rated 46%). Ground Pavilion in poor state of repair (rated 31%). Bishops Stortford Youth 11v11 Pitch Good Good ‘Good’ quality pitch (81%) on cricket Sports Trust outfield. Changing in the Trust’s pavilion. Braughing Playing Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch and changing facilities towards the Fields higher end of ‘standard’ quality. Brewery Field Adult 11v11 Pitch Poor None Very poor quality pitch (36%) with no on- site changing. Site currently for sale. Friedberg Avenue Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard Poor ‘The site suffers from public use, dog Playing Fields Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard fouling rubbish from the public and the pub next door not a secure site’ - Bishop’s Stortford Community FC Pitch quality in the mid-range of ‘standard’ (67%), but changing is ‘poor’ (35%) in a converted grounds maintenance depot.

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Grange Paddocks Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Poor ‘The pitches are subject to flooding, poor Leisure Centre Adult 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard site management, dog fouling and Adult 11v11 Pitch 3 Standard unauthorised public use’ - Bishop’s Adult 11v11 Pitch 4 Standard Stortford Community FC Adult 11v11 Pitch 5 Standard ‘The lower pitches by the river flood easily’ - Real Stortford FC Adult 11v11 Pitch 6 Standard Pitch quality varies within the ‘standard’ Youth 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard range (55% to 67%). Changing is rated as Youth 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard ‘poor’ (34%) which is unacceptable at one Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard of the key multi-pitch sites in the district. Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 1 Standard Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 2 Standard Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 3 Standard Pearce House Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard None Pitch quality at the high end of standard Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard (71%), but no on-site changing. Prokit Stadium Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Good Pitch (100%) and changing (100%) both very ‘high’ quality. Silverleys Trust Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Good The adult pitch (90%) and changing are Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard ‘high’ quality (82%), but the youth pitch (66%) is in the mid-range of ‘standard’.

Figure 32: Grass football pitch quality in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality All Saints Primary Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Standard ‘Very muddy when it rains during winter, School Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard pitch cuts up a lot causing ruts during cold weather’ - Watton Youth FC. Changing not available for external users. Aston Park Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard None Pitch quality at the high end of standard (70%), but no on-site changing. Aston St. Mary’s Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality at the lower end of ‘standard’ Junior School Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard rating (54%). Changing not available for community users. Benington Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Poor Changing facilities are not fit for purpose - Recreation Ground work started on a new self-build project. Cottered Playing Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch at the lower end of ‘standard’ rating Field (54%) but changing at the upper end of ‘standard’ (74%). Crouchfields Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Poor ‘We have a 15-year lease (10 remaining) Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard and would like to develop the site to Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard include simple amenities like proper Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard toilets, running water etc., a possible club Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 1 Standard house, perimeter fencing and pitch regeneration’ - Wodson Park FC Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 2 Standard Pitch quality at the high end of standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard (70%), but changing very poor (34%).

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Edwinstree Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality at the high end of standard Middle School (74%). Changing not available for community use. Freman College Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Good Pitch quality at the high end of standard Adult 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard (73%). Changing rated ‘good’ (79%). Horseman’s Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard None ‘Standard’ quality pitch with no on-site Meadow changing provision. London Road Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard Poor ‘No secure goalpost storage. Ground Playing Field contamination that put the pitch out of action last year for several weeks’ - Buntingford Cougars FC. Pitch quality in the mid-range of ‘standard’ (66%), but changing is ‘poor’ (35%). Norfolk Road Adult 11v11 Pitch Poor Good Pitch quality is ‘poor’ at 43% with a severe Playing Fields slope and uneven surface, but changing is ‘good’ (82%) shared with cricket. Ralph Sadleir Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard Good Pitch quality at the high end of ‘standard’ School Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard (74%), but changing is ‘good’ (82%). Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard Seth Ward Adult 11v11 Pitch Poor Standard ‘Poor drainage leads to cancellation of 25% Community Centre Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard of matches’ - Buntingford Cougars FC Adult pitch is ‘poor’ (43%) and the youth pitch at the lower end of ‘standard’ (54%). Changing in the community centre is at the high end of ‘standard’ (74%). Standon Playing Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality (67%) and changing (69%) Field both in the mid-range of ‘standard’. The Bury Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard ‘Wet weather on clay-based waterlogged Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard pitches means that most matches in Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 1 Standard December and January are cancelled’ - Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 2 Standard Buntingford Cougars FC Pitch quality (64%) and changing (69%) both in the mid-range of ‘standard’. Thundridge Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality (59%) towards the lower end Playing Fields of ‘standard’, but changing (63%) is in the mid-range of ‘standard’. Thundridge Youth 11v11/9v9 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality (73%) at the high end of Sports Ground Mini 7v7 Pitch Standard ‘standard’, but changing (63%) is in the Mini 5v5 Pitch Standard mid-range of ‘standard’. Walkern Jubilee Youth 11v11/9v9 Pitch Standard Good Pitch quality is in the mid-range of Pavilion Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard ‘standard’ (67%), but changing (85%) is Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard ‘high’ quality. Westmill Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality (73%) is at the high end of Recreation Ground ‘standard’, but changing (52%) is at the low end of ‘standard’.

Figure 33: Grass football pitch quality in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Allenbury Sports & Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Standard Very high quality pitches (97%), changing Social Club at the high end of ‘standard’ quality (77%). Bengeo Sports Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Good Pitch quality at the lower end of ‘standard’ Field rating (51%). ‘Good’ quality changing in the Community Hall on-site. County Hall Sports Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard Standard ‘We have agreed a programme of works Ground Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard with the County Council to improve to the Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 1 Standard clubhouse which we licence, but the costs Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 2 Standard must be met through fundraising’ - Hertford Youth FC. Pitches (60%) and changing (54%) are both at the lower end of ‘standard’ quality. Hartham Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Poor ‘The site suffers from dog fouling, glass Common/Leisure Adult 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard litter unofficial use and poor drainage’ - Centre Adult 11v11 Pitch 3 Standard Hertford Town Youth FC Adult 11v11 Pitch 4 Standard ‘The quality of pitch maintenance is Adult 11v11 Pitch 5 Standard appalling. Virtually non- existent and therefore getting steadily worse’ - Bridge Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard House FC Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Pitch quality at the lower end of ‘standard’ Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 1 Standard (56%), but changing is ‘poor’ (35%). Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 2 Standard Hertford Football Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Good High quality pitch and changing facilities in Club an enclosed ground. Hertford Heath Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard ‘Some vandalism problems at the site’ - Playing Fields Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard Hertford Heath FC Pitch quality (59%) and changing (54%) both at the lower end of ‘standard’. Presdales Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Standard ‘Moving into a higher league would allow Recreation Adult 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard us to attract additional players, however Ground Youth 11v11/7v7 Pitch 1 Standard the poor standard of Presdales, coupled Youth 11v11/7v7 Pitch 2 Standard with the lack of fenced playing area and Youth 11v11 Pitch 3 Standard clubhouse mean this has been impossible for years’ - Bury Rangers FC. Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard Pitches (59%) and changing (57%) both at Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard the lower end of ‘standard’ quality. Sacred Heart Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality at the mid-range of ‘standard’ Primary School (66%). Changing not available for community users. St. Margaretsbury Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Good Good Stadium pitch (100%) and changing (95%) Sports & Social Adult/Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard are very ‘high’ quality. Second pitch Club (overmarked for youth 11v11) is at the high end of ‘standard’ (73%), as is the pavilion changing (74%). St. Mary’s Junior Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality at the mid-range of ‘standard’ School Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch (66%). Changing not available for community users.

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Simon Balle Youth 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Good ‘Last season we lost a pitch for half the School Youth 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard season due to a sink hole’ - Hertford Town Youth FC. Pitch quality at the mid-range of ‘standard’ (66%). Changing not available for community users. The Sele School Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard ‘Some sunken areas on the pitch (e.g. Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard penalty spots)’ - Bengeo Tigers FC. Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard Pitch quality at the high end of ‘standard Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard (70%), but changing facilities at the lower Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 1 Standard end of ‘standard’ (55%). Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 2 Standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard Trinity Playing Youth 11v11 Pitch 1 Standard Good ‘Some pitches drain a lot better than Fields Youth 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard others’ - Ware Youth FC Youth 11v11 Pitch 3 Standard Pitch quality varies slightly but all are at Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard the high end of ‘standard’ (71% - 74%), but Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard changing is ‘good’ (82%). Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch Standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 1 Standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch 2 Standard Ware Football Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Good Pitch (100%) and changing (100%) both Club very ‘high’ quality. West Street Youth 11v11 Pitch Poor None ‘The site is situated on a flood plain and is Playing Field prone to flooding between November and February’ - Hertford Youth FC. Pitch quality (56%) towards the lower end of ‘standard’. No on-site changing. Wodson Park Adult 11v11 Pitch Good Good Pitch in the middle of the athletics track. Sports Centre Pitch (81%) and changing (85%) both ‘high’ quality.

Figure 34: Grass football pitch quality in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Much Hadham Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Good Pitch quality in the mid-range of ‘standard’ Recreation Ground (61%), but changing is ‘good’ (82%). St. George’s Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard Poor Pitch quality in the low end of ‘standard’ Playing Field (51%), but changing is very ‘poor’ (20%). Sawbridgeworth Adult 11v11 Pitch 1 Good Good Stadium pitch (100%) and changing (100%) Town FC Adult 11v11 Pitch 2 Standard are very ‘high’ quality. Second pitch is at the high end of ‘standard’ (71%). Widford Playing Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard None Pitch quality (73%) is at the high end of Field ‘standard’. No on-site changing.

Figure 35: Grass football pitch quality in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitch Pitch Changing Comments quality quality Crouchfields Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Poor ‘We have a 15-year lease (10 remaining) Youth 11v11 Pitch Standard and would like to develop the site to Youth 9v9 Pitch 1 Standard include simple amenities like proper Youth 9v9 Pitch 2 Standard toilets, running water etc., a possible club Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 1 Standard house, perimeter fencing and pitch regeneration’ - Wodson Park FC Mini-soccer 7v7 Pitch 2 Standard Pitch quality at the high end of standard Mini-soccer 5v5 Pitch Standard (70%), but changing very poor (34%). Watton-at-Stone Youth 9v9 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality at the mid-range of ‘standard’ Primary School (63%). Changing not available for community users. Watton-at-Stone Adult 11v11 Pitch Standard Standard Pitch quality (63%) is in the mid-range of Recn Ground ‘standard’, but changing (71%) is at the high end of ‘standard’.

2.38 The number and percentage of pitches in each quality band is tabulated below. There are no particular sub-area concentrations:

Figure 36: Number and percentage of football pitches in each quality category in East Herts

Pitch type Good Standard Poor Number % Number % Number % Adult 11v11 8 17.8% 33 73.3% 4 8.9% Youth 11v11 1 3.8% 24 92.2% 1 3.8% Youth 9v9 0 0.0% 21 100.0% 0 0.0% Mini-soccer 7v7 0 0.0% 22 100.0% 0 0.0% Mini-soccer 5v5 0 0.0% 20 100.0% 0 0.0% TOTAL 9 6.7% 120 89.6% 5 3.7%

2.39 The percentage of pitches of each type that are served by ‘poor’ quality or no changing facilities is as follows. There are no particular sub-area concentrations:

Figure 37: The number and percentage of football pitches served by poor quality changing in East Herts

Pitch type Number % Adult 11v11 16 38.1% Youth 11v11 9 34.6% Youth 9v9 7 33.3% Mini-soccer 7v7 7 31.8% Mini-soccer 5v5 7 35.0% TOTAL 46 35.1%

‘3G’ pitch quality

2.40 The quality of the ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts involved site visits to undertake the non-technical visual inspection produced by the FA for Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ (2013). The assessment generates an overall ‘score’ for each pitch by evaluating the condition of the playing surface, fencing, floodlighting, disability access and changing provision. The percentage scores generated equate to ratings of ‘Good’ for scores of 80% or more ‘Standard’ for scores of 79% - 51% and ‘Poor’ for scores of 50% or below.

Figure 38: ‘3G’ football turf pitch quality in East Herts

Site Rating Comments Allenbury Sports & Social Club Good Pitch 8 years old but low usage. Birchwood High School Standard Pitch installed 10 years ago, some signs of wear. Hartham Leisure Centre Good New pitch on converted tennis courts. Hartham Leisure Centre Good New pitch on converted tennis courts. Wodson Park Sports Centre Good Very high quality pitch.

Pitch maintenance

2.41 Grass pitch maintenance in East Herts is organised as follows:

 Council-owned pitches - John O’Conner Grounds Maintenance is contracted by the Council to maintain all its football pitches and related changing facilities. Maintenance is carried out according to a service specification.

 School pitches - Schools make individual arrangements for football pitch maintenance, although the County Council has a contract with Serco that is utilised by some schools.

 Sports clubs - The pitches owned by football clubs are generally maintained by the clubs’ own groundstaff, in some instances with support from volunteers.

2.42 The annual spend per pitch on grounds maintenance at selected sites is tabulated below. The figures compare with Sport England Guidance in ‘Natural Turf for Sport’ (2011), which identified the need for a £5,000 to £10,500 annual budget for undrained or pipe drained football pitches. This figure was increased in its ‘Protecting Playing Fields’ (2015) guidance, to £11,700 for an adult football pitch and £9,600 for a youth football pitch.

Figure 39: Selected grass pitch annual maintenance expenditure in East Herts

Site Spend per pitch per annum (£) Crouchfields, Ware £4,000 Friedberg Avenue £5,000 Presdales Recreation Ground £5,000 Trinity Playing Field, Ware £4,000

Pitch pricing

2.43 The basis for charging for football pitch hire in East Herts varies by user type and provider, but a selection of prices is summarised below:

Figure 40: Selected grass pitch hire costs in East Herts

Site Seasonal Charges (£) Equivalent Charge per Match (£) Hartham Common/Leisure £1,200 per adult pitch £60 Centre £600 for youth pitch £30 £400 for mini-soccer £25 Grange Paddocks £1,160 per adult pitch £58 £600 for youth/mini £30 The Bury, Buntingford £600 per adult pitch £30 Watton-at-Stone Recn. Grd. £600 per pitch £30 Benington Recreation Ground £600 per pitch £30 Hertford Football Club £1,200 per adult pitch £60 Simon Balle School £700 per youth pitch £35 Figure 41: Selected grass pitch hire costs in neighbouring areas

District Site Equivalent Charge per Match (£) Harlow Fairways Sports Club (adult pitch) £48 Harlow Staple Tye (adult pitch) £50 Harlow Paringdon Sports Club (adult pitch) £50 Harlow Church Langley Country Park (adult pitch) £50 Harlow Mark Hall Sports Centre (adult pitch) £40 Harlow Rectory Field (adult pitch) £50 Stevenage All council-owned pitches (adult pitch) £65 with changing /£56 without Stevenage All council-owned pitches (youth pitch) £34 with changing /£27 without Stevenage All council-owned pitches (mini pitch) £19

Figure 42: Selected ‘3G’ football turf pitch hire costs in East Herts and neighbouring areas

Pitch District Basis of hire Cost per hour (£) Wodson Park Sports Centre East Herts Full-sized pitch £100 Birchwood High School East Herts Full-sized pitch £95 Mark Hall Sports Centre Harlow Full-sized pitch £85 Passmores Academy Harlow Full-sized pitch £105 Great Dunmow Sports Centre Uttlesford Full-sized pitch £82 John Warner Sports Centre Broxbourne Full-sized pitch £115

Ownership management and security of access

2.44 The ownership, management and security of access to all football pitches with community use and used in East Herts is set out below, arranged by sub-area.

Figure 43: Ownership, management and security of access to football pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Albury Recreation Ground Albury Parish Albury Parish Secured Council Council Bishops Stortford Sports East Herts District Bishops Stortford Secured Trust Council Sports Trust Braughing Playing Fields Braughing Parish Braughing Parish Secured Council Council Brewery Field Rayments Brewery Furneux Pelham Unsecured Parish Council Friedberg Avenue Playing Bishops Stortford Bishops Stortford Secured Fields Town Council Town Council Grange Paddocks Leisure East Herts District Everyone Active Secured Centre Council Pearce House Birchwood High Birchwood High Unsecured School School Site Ownership Management Security of Access Prokit Stadium Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford Secured FC FC Silverleys Trust Silverleys Trust Silverleys Trust Secured

Figure 44: Ownership, management and security of access to football pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access All Saints Primary School Herts County Council All Saints Primary Unsecured School Aston Park Datchworth Parish Datchworth Parish Secured Council Council Aston Junior School Herts County Council Aston Junior School Unsecured Benington Recreation Benington Parish Benington Parish Secured Ground Council Council Cottered Playing Field Cottered Parish Council Cottered Parish Secured Council Crouchfields Private Owners Wodson Park FC Secured Edwinstree Middle School Edwinstree Middle Edwinstree Middle Unsecured School School Freman College Freman College Freman College Unsecured Horseman’s Meadow Little Munden Parish Little Munden Secured Council Parish Council London Road Playing Field Buntingford Relief in Buntingford Cougars Unsecured Need Charity FC Norfolk Road Playing Field Buntingford Town Buntingford Town Secured Council Council

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Ralph Sadleir School Ralph Sadleir School Ralph Sadleir School Unsecured Seth Ward Community Buntingford Town Buntingford Town Secured Centre Council Council Standon Memorial Playing Standon Parish Council Standon Parish Secured Field Council The Bury Fairview Homes Buntingford Sports Secured Club Ltd. The Sele School The Sele School The Sele School Unsecured Thundridge Playing Field Thundridge Parish Thundridge Parish Secured Council Council Thundridge Sports Ground Thundridge Parish Thundridge Parish Secured Council Council Walkern Jubilee Pavilion Walkern Parish Walkern Parish Secured Council Council Westmill Recreation T&M Greg Trust Westmill Parish Secured Ground Council

Figure 45: Ownership, management and security of access to football pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Allenbury Sports & Social Club Glaxo Smith Kline Allenbury Sports & Secured Social Club Bengeo Sports Field Bengeo Parish Bengeo Parish Secured Council Council County Hall Sports Ground Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Secured County Council County Council Hartham Common and East Herts District Everyone Active Secured Leisure Centre Council Hertford Football Club Hertford FC Hertford FC Secured Hertford Heath Playing Fields Hertford Heath Hertford Heath Secured Parish Council Parish Council Presdales Recreation Ground East Herts District Bury Rangers FC Secured Council Sacred Heart Primary School Hertfordshire Sacred Heart Unsecured County Council Primary School St. Margaretsbury Sports & St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury Secured Social Club Sports & Social Club Sports & Social Club St. Mary’s Junior School Hertfordshire St. Mary’s Junior Unsecured County Council School Simon Balle School Simon Balle School Simon Balle School Unsecured The Sele School The Sele School The Sele School Unsecured Thundridge Sports Ground Thundridge Parish Thundridge Parish Secured Council Council

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Trinity Playing Fields East Herts District Ware Youth FC Secured Council Ware Football Club Ware Football Club Ware Football Club Secured West Street Playing Field Hertford FC Hertford FC Secured Wodson Park Sports Centre Wodson Park Trust Wodson Park Trust Secured

Figure 46: Ownership, management and security of access to football pitches in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Much Hadham Recreation Much Hadham Much Hadham Secured Ground Parish Council Parish Council St. George’s Playing Field High Wych Parish High Wych Parish Secured Council Council Sawbridgeworth Town Sawbridgeworth Sawbridgeworth Secured Football Club Town Football Club Town Football Club Widford Playing Field Private Owner Angels Saviours FC Secured

Figure 47: Ownership, management and security of access to football pitches in Watton-at- Stone and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Crouchfields Private Owners Wodson Park FC Secured Watton-at-Stone Primary Hertfordshire Watton-at-Stone Unsecured School County Council Primary School Watton-at-Stone Recreation Watton-at-Stone Watton-at-Stone Secured Ground Parish Council Parish Council

2.45 Security of access for each type of football pitch in East Herts is summarised below. Only 62.5% of youth (9v9) pitches have secured access. There are no particular sub- area concentrations:

Figure 48: Number and percentage of football pitches with secured community access in East Herts

Pitch type Total pitches Number secured % secured Full-sized ‘3G’ 1 1 100% Adult 11v11 37 33 89.2% Youth 11v11 26 23 88.5% Youth 9v9 24 15 62.5% Mini-soccer 7v7 21 17 81.0% Mini-soccer 5v5 26 22 84.6% TOTAL 135 111 82.2%

The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply

2.46 This section summarises the views of local football stakeholders in East Herts.

2.47 The Hertfordshire FA: Consultation with the Hertfordshire FA’s County Development Manager, identified the following key issues in relation to East Herts:

 The FA’s highest regional facilities priority is to secure a home base for Bishop’s Stortford Community FC, the largest club in the country with a total of 74 teams. The preferred option is for a site with two ‘3G’ football turf pitches and a clubhouse. The FA believes that East Herts Council should take a proactive approach to assisting the club with acquiring a site. This might include purchasing a suitable site and leasing it to the club to operate it.

 Bury Rangers FC has secured the provision of a ‘3G’ football turf pitch at Richard Hale School with the help of Football Foundation funding.

 Bengeo Tigers FC and Hertford Town FC are investigating the feasibility of developing pitches at a site near Hertford currently owned by Lafarge.

2.48 FA-affiliated football clubs: The consultation identified the following key issues in relation to pitch supply East Herts:

 Pitch usage preferences: 82.3% of clubs are playing at their preferred location.

 Pitch availability: Several clubs experience problems with pitch availability for matches. A sample of comments is as follows:

- Bishop’s Stortford Community FC: ‘We have children who wish to play football who cannot be accommodated due to the lack of playing facilities. It is our Club's considered opinion that the lack of facilities in accordance is severely hampering our ability to meet provision in the town. With the impending growth of Bishop’s Stortford North, the Club are not only concerned about the lack of football provision, but the knock-on effects of children's health, social skills and community cohesion’.

- Hertford Town FC: ‘We have some teams who have to occasionally use pitches in Stevenage and Welham Green due to no pitch availability in East Herts with or without changing facilities’.

- Watton Youth FC: ‘The Main problem for Watton Youth is the lack of Pitches. We are having to turn away mini age group players because of lack of pitches. We already play with pitches marked within a larger pitch to allow three age groups to use the same pitch’.

- Wodson Park FC: ‘With the volume of local clubs and teams there is a shortage of facilities. We are restricted to the number of teams we have because of the lack of local facilities or funding to develop those we already have’.

- Watton Ladies FC: ‘Our pitch can only have two teams allocated due to the pitch staying playable throughout the winter months. Our youth team has had to find an alternative pitch due to this, therefore moving outside of the village’.

- Bengeo Tigers FC: ‘Our Minis football has waiting lists as we simply don't have the space for more teams - this is the growth area of our club Winter training facilities are a real problem with a lack of floodlit facilities More pitches would allow us to expand and reduce waiting lists’.

- Watton Youth FC: ‘The Main problem is the lack of Pitches. As the club continues to grow the club will require a new pitch for 11 v 11 each year. On average, the club has increased 15 players each year. We have funding to assist in the development of any prospective future land that could be used for football pitches’.

 Pitch maintenance: Only 16.7% of responding clubs feel that the maintenance of the pitches they use is ‘good’ 66.7% believe that it is ‘adequate’ and 16.7% believe that it is ‘unsuitable’. A typical comment from Bridge House FC was that ‘the quality of pitch maintenance is appalling, virtually non-existent and therefore getting steadily worse. It makes player retention difficult - poor skills and increased injuries’.

 Pitch quality: 54.5% of respondents believe that pitch quality has deteriorated since last season, although all pitches still meet league standards.

 Training facilities: 92.9% of clubs cited a lack of training facilities as the main factor inhibiting expansion. A sample of comments is as follows:

- Real Stortford FC: ‘We could have recruited an additional six teams this season, half of whom we could have found suitable pitches for Sunday/Saturday games. However, the lack of training facilities prevented us from recruiting. We could have found slots for maybe two teams at Hockerill College (although this is technically a Hockey Surface), but Birchwood High School has the only ‘3G’ surface in Bishops Stortford and is block booked by Bishop’s Stortford Community FC.

- Hertford Town Youth FC: ‘We have lost access to training slots at Wodson Park because priority has been given to Ware clubs. We have a short fall in training facilities for several teams’.

- Wodson Park FC: ‘We currently use the ‘3G’ pitch at Wodson Park for our training but there aren't enough slots for all our teams’. With the volume of local clubs and teams there is a shortage of facilities. We are restricted to the number of teams we have because of the lack of local facilities or funding to develop those we already have’.

- Watton Youth FC: ‘For training, in the summer months we use any recreational field available, during the winter all ages groups above under 7's hire ‘3G’ training facilities at various locations in Hertford and Stevenage at a high cost which takes approximately 75% of funds raised by players’ subs’. - Buntingford Cougars FC: ‘We are over capacity on [demand for] all weather floodlit training facilities and may consider setting a cap on teams or player numbers. An additional challenge is the clay-based soil that effectively waterlogs many local pitches in the winter. Our single biggest issue at the club is all weather facilities’.

 Changing facilities: Wodson Park FC stated that ‘we have a 15-year lease (10 remaining) on our Crouchfields base. We would like to develop the site to include simple amenities like proper toilets, running water, a possible club house, perimeter fencing and pitch regeneration’.

Geographical distribution

2.49 To geographical spread of football pitches in East Herts is set out below:

 Adult grass pitches: Geographical coverage of adult football pitches is good, with the whole population is within 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch. There is pitch provision in all sub-areas.

Figure 49: Geographical coverage of adult football pitches in East Herts

 Youth 11v11 grass pitches: Geographical coverage of youth 11v11 football pitches is good, with only three small rural areas beyond 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch. There is no pitch provision in the Sawbridgeworth sub-area.

Figure 50: Geographical coverage of youth (11v11) football pitches in East Herts

 Youth 9v9 grass pitches: Geographical coverage of youth 9v9 football pitches is good, with only three small rural areas beyond 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch. There is provision in all sub-areas:

Figure 51: Geographical coverage of youth (9v9) football pitches in East Herts

 Mini-soccer 7v7 grass pitches: Geographical coverage of mini-soccer 7v7 grass football pitches is good, with only five small rural areas beyond 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch. There is no pitch provision in the Sawbridgeworth sub-area.

Figure 52: Geographical coverage of mini-soccer (7v7) football pitches in East Herts

 Mini-soccer 5v5 grass pitches: Geographical coverage of mini-soccer 5v5 grass football is good, with only seven small rural areas beyond 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch. There is no pitch provision in the Sawbridgeworth sub-area.

Figure 53: Geographical coverage of mini-soccer (5v5) football pitches in East Herts

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: Geographical coverage of ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts shows that the much population in the north of the district is more than 20-minutes drive from their nearest pitch. All current provision is in the Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford and Ware sub-areas.

Figure 54: Geographical coverage of ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts

The implications for football in East Herts

2.50 Analysis of local supply of football pitches in East Herts indicates the following:

 The activities of several of the larger FA Charter Standard clubs in the district are curtailed by the quantity and/or quality of pitch and ancillary facilities provision, in particular:

- Bishop’s Stortford Community FC plays at seven different sites, three of which have poor quality or no changing facilities. The Club is currently seeking to identify a site where it can develop a home base comprising two ‘3G’ pitches, some grass pitches and a clubhouse. - Bengeo Tigers FC are operating at full capacity and are currently investigating the feasibility of developing additional pitches at a new site in Hertford. - Wodson Park FC have very poor quality changing facilities at their Crouchfields site, which it would like to improve. - Buntingford Cougars FC are currently playing at five different sites and would like to develop a ‘3G’ pitch at The Bury, to create additional capacity.

 Six adult pitches are currently unused, which reflects the reduction in affiliated teams in this age group.

 25 youth and 23 mini-soccer pitches are on school sites with no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage, given the resurgent demand for football in these age groups and the waiting lists being operated by several clubs at present.

 35.1% of all pitches in East Herts are served by ‘poor’ quality or no changing facilities, including those at key sites like Grange Paddocks, Crouchfields and Hartham Common.

 Demand for floodlit ‘3G’ football turf pitches significantly outstrips supply, with many teams having to access pitches in neighbouring areas. Based on the FA calculation that there should be one full-sized ‘3G’ pitch per 42 teams, there should be 12.23 pitches in East Herts (including latent and unmet demand).

 Pitch hire charges in East Herts are comparable to those in neighbouring areas, so prices should have no influence on imported or exported demand.

 Grounds maintenance expenditure is at or below the lower level recommended by Sport England, although the provision of voluntary labour by clubs to support pitch maintenance is not costed within the local figures.

 More than 80% of pitches in East Herts have secured community access and access to the remaining pitches on school sites could, in theory, be withdrawn in the absence of a formal community use agreement.

Assessment of current needs

2.51 To assess whether the current supply of pitches is adequate to meet existing demand an understanding of the situation at all sites available to the community needs to be developed. This is achieved by providing a brief overview for each site, which comprises:

 A comparison between the carrying capacity of a site with how much demand is accommodated there. The carrying capacity of a site is defined as the amount of play it can regularly accommodate without adversely affecting its quality and use. Demand is defined in terms of the number of ‘match equivalent’ sessions at each site and includes a component to reflect unmet and latent demand identified by the club users (see section 2.28 above). School’s use of education sites is also included, where it impacts upon carrying capacity:

 An indication of pitch usage during the peak periods.

2.52 The site overviews identify the extent to which pitches are

 Being overplayed: Where use exceeds the carrying capacity (highlighted in red in the tables below).

 Being played to the level the site can sustain: Where use matches the carrying capacity (highlighted in yellow in the tables below).

 Potentially able to accommodate some additional play: Where use falls below the carrying capacity (highlighted in green in the tables below).

2.53 In line with FA guidance, the following assumptions have been made in relation to the number of weekly match equivalents that can be accommodated by different quality pitches:

Figure 55: Carrying capacity of grass football pitches

Pitch type Good quality Standard quality Poor quality Adult 3 2 1 Youth 11v11 4 2 1 Youth 9v9 4 2 1 Mini-soccer 7v7 6 4 2 Mini-soccer 5v5 6 4 2

2.54 On sites where the quality of pitches varies, the individual ratings are reflected in the overall site capacity.

Adult grass pitches

2.55 The peak period for adult grass pitches is Saturday afternoons, although there is a secondary peak on Sunday mornings:

Figure 56: Supply-demand balance of adult football pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Albury Football 1 Albury FC 1.0 0.5 +0.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Ground Braughing Playing 1 Hares Youth FC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Fields Brewery Field 1 Casuals & Pelham FC 1.0 0.5 +0.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Grange Paddocks 6 Albury Saints FC 12.0 9.5 +2.5 6.0 6.0 Balanced Leisure Centre Birchwood Rangers FC BS Community FC BS Wanderers FC Grange United FC Hockerill Tens FC Sawbridgeworth Brewery FC Stortford Cobras FC Real Stortford FC Prokit Stadium 1 Bishop’s Stortford FC 3.0 3.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Silverleys Trust 1 Bishop’s Stortford 3.0 2.0 +1.0 1.0 2.0 -1.0 Swifts FC TOTAL 11 - 22.0 17.0 +5.0 11.0 11.5 -0.5

Figure 57: Supply-demand balance of adult football pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Aston Park 1 Pig & Whistle FC 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Benington 1 FC Benington 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Recreation Ground Cottered Playing 1 Cottered FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Field Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park Youth FC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced Freman College 2 Boca Seniors 4.0 2.0 +2.0 2.0 0.5 +1.5 Freman College Horseman’s 1 Dane End United FC 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Meadow Norfolk Road 1 Buntingford Cougars FC 1.0 0.5 +0.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Playing Fields

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Seth Ward 1 Buntingford Wanderers 1.0 1.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Community Centre FC Standon Memorial 1 Standon & Puckeridge 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced Playing Field FC The Bury 1 Buntingford Town FC 3.0 3.0 Balanced 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Thundridge Playing 1 Thundridge City FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Fields Thundridge United FC Westmill 1 Westmill FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Recreation Ground TOTAL 13 - 25.0 14.0 +11.0 13.0 10.0 +3.0

Figure 58: Supply-demand balance of adult football pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Allenbury Sports 1 Allenbury’s FC 3.0 1.0 +2.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced and Social Club Allenbury’s Sports FC Bengeo Sports 1 Bengeo Trinity FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Field Hartham 5 Bury Rangers FC 10.0 10.0 Balanced 5.0 5.0 Balanced Common/Leisure Harts Horns FC Centre Hunter United FC Mangrove FC The Bridge House FC Hertford Hounds FC Ware Lions FC Wolfpack United FC Hertford Town FC Hertford Town FC 1 Hertford Town FC 3.0 3.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Hertford Heath 2 Hertford Heath FC 4.0 2.5 +1.5 2.0 2.5 -0.5 Playing Fields Presdales 2 Angels Lions FC 4.0 4.0 Balanced 2.0 2.0 Balanced Recreation Ground Angel Ware FC Bury Rangers FC Christchurch Ware FC FC Sloppys Hertford Corinthians Spread Eagle FC Turnford Tigers FC Ware Warriors FC St. Margaretsbury 2 St. Margaretsbury FC 5.0 3.5 +1.5 2.0 2.5 -0.5 Sports & Social St. Margaretsbury Club United FC Ware Football Club 1 Ware FC 3.0 3.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Wodson Park 1 Hertford Town FC 3.0 3.0 Balanced 1.0 2.0 -1.0 Sports Centre Ware Sports FC Wodson Park FC Ware Rangers FC TOTAL 14 - 37.0 32.0 +5.0 16.0 18.0 -2.0

Figure 59: Supply-demand balance of adult football pitches in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Much Hadham 1 Hadham Villa FC 2.0 1.0 +1.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced Recreation Ground Much Hadham FC Sawbridgeworth 2 Sawbridgeworth Town 5.0 4.0 +1.0 2.0 2.0 Balanced Town Football Club FC Widford Playing 1 Angels Saviours FC 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Field TOTAL 4 - 9.0 5.5 +3.5 4.0 3.5 +0.5

Figure 60: Supply-demand balance of adult football pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park Youth FC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 1 Watton-at-Stone FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Recreation Ground Watton Ladies FC East Herts 22 - 4.0 2.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 Balanced

2.56 The key findings are:

 There is a small peak time deficit at six sites, but at all other sites, peak time usage is either balanced or has spare capacity.

 There is collective peak time surplus of one match equivalent, although this figure reverts to a deficit of one match equivalent if the site with unsecured community access (Freman College) is discounted.

Youth 11v11 grass pitches

2.57 The peak period for youth 11v11 grass pitches is Sunday afternoons:

Figure 61: Supply-demand balance of Youth 11v11 football pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishops Stortford 1 BS Swifts FC 4.0 0.5 +3.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Sports Trust Friedberg Avenue 1 BS Community FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 2.0 -1.0 Playing Fields Grange Paddocks 2 BS Community FC 4.0 6.0 -2.0 2.0 3.0 -1.0 Leisure Centre Silverleys Trust 1 BS Swifts FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced TOTAL 5 - 12.0 9.5 +2.5 5.0 6.5 -1.5

Figure 62: Supply-demand balance of Youth 11v11 football pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park YFC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Ralph Sadlier 1 Hares Youth FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced School Ralph Sadlier School St. Margaretsbury (1) St. Margaretsbury 1.0 1.0 Balanced 0.5 1.0 -0.5 Sports & Social Youth FC Club Seth Ward 1 Buntingford Cougars 2.0 3.0 -1.0 1.0 3.0 -2.0 Community Centre Thundridge Sports 1 Ware Lions FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Ground Walkern Jubilee 2 Austen Arrowheads 4.0 0.5 +3.5 2.0 0.5 +1.5 Pavilion TOTAL 8 (1) - 13.0 9.0 +4.0 6.5 8.0 -1.5

Figure 63: Supply-demand balance of Youth 11v11 football pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Hartham Leisure 1 Hertford Town FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Centre Presdales 3 Bury Rangers FC 6.0 5.5 +0.5 3.0 5.5 -2.5 Recreation Ground St. Margaretsbury (1) St. Margaretsbury 1.0 1.0 Balanced 0.5 1.0 -0.5 Sports & Social Youth FC Club Simon Balle School 2 Hertford Town FC 4.0 4.0 Balanced 2.0 2.0 Balanced Simon Balle School The Sele School 2 Bengeo Tigers FC 4.0 3.0 +1.0 2.0 3.0 -1.0 The Sele School Trinity Playing 3 Ware Youth FC 12.0 3.0 +9.0 3.0 3.0 Balanced Fields West Street 1 Hertford Town FC 1.0 1.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Playing Field TOTAL 12 (1) - 30.0 19.5 +10.5 12.5 16.5 -4.0

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds: None

Figure 64: Supply-demand balance of Youth 11v11 football pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park YFC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 TOTAL 1 - 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5

2.58 The key findings are:

 There are peak time deficits at seven sites and a peak time surplus at only two sites.

 At all sites with a peak time deficit, the shortfall is managed by scheduling two fixtures consecutively. There is sufficient weekly site capacity to do this on a sustainable basis at five sites, but at Grange Paddocks and Seth Ward Community Centre, the quality of the pitches is compromised by overplay.

 There is a collective peak time deficit of 7.5 match equivalents. This figure increases to 12.5 match equivalents if the sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

Youth 9v9 grass pitches

2.59 The peak period for youth 9v9 grass pitches is Sunday mornings:

Figure 65: Supply-demand balance of Youth 9v9 football pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Friedberg 1 BS Community FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Avenue Playing Fields Grange 1 BS Community FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Paddocks Pearce House 2 BS Community FC 4.0 4.5 -0.5 2.0 2.5 -0.5 TOTAL 4 - 8.0 5.5 +1.5 4.0 4.5 -0.5

Figure 66: Supply-demand balance of Youth 9v9 football pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance County Hall 2 Hertford Town FC 4.0 3.0 +1.0 2.0 3.0 -1.0 Sports Ground Crouchfields 2 Wodson Park Youth FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 2.0 1.5 +0.5 Edwinstree 1 Buntingford Cougars FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Middle School Edwinstree Middle Sch. London Road 1 Buntingford Cougars FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Playing Field Ralph Sadlier 1 Hares Youth FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced School Ralph Sadlier School Thundridge (1) Ware Lions FC 1.0 1.5 -0.5 0.5 1.5 -1.0 Sports Ground Walkern Jubilee 1 Austen Arrowheads 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Pavilion TOTAL 8(1) - 17.0 12.5 +4.5 8.5 10.5 -2.0 60

Figure 67: Supply-demand balance of Youth 9v9 football pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance County Hall 2 Hertford Town FC 4.0 3.0 +1.0 2.0 3.0 -1.0 Sports Ground Presdales 2 Bury Rangers FC 4.0 4.0 Balanced 2.0 2.0 Balanced Recreation Ground Sacred Heart 1 Ware Rangers FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 2.0 -1.0 Primary School Sacred Heart Prim. Sch. The Sele School 2 Bengeo Tigers FC 4.0 3.5 +0.5 2.0 2.0 Balanced The Sele School Trinity Playing 2 Ware Youth FC 8.0 2.0 +6.0 2.0 2.0 Balanced Fields TOTAL 9 - 22.0 14.5 +7.5 9.0 11.0 -2.0

Figure 68: Supply-demand balance of Youth 9v9 football pitches in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance St. George’s 1 High Wych Youth FC 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Playing Field TOTAL 1 - 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5

Figure 69: Supply-demand balance of Youth 9v9 football pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 2 Wodson Park Youth FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 2.0 1.5 +0.5 Watton-at- 1 Watton Youth FC 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Stone Primary Watton-at-Stone Primary School School TOTAL 3 - 6.0 3.5 +2.5 3.0 2.5 +0.5

2.60 The key findings are:

 There are peak time deficits at five sites and a peak time surplus at only three.

 At all sites with a peak time deficit, the shortfall is managed by scheduling two fixtures consecutively. There is sufficient weekly site capacity to do this on a sustainable basis at four sites, but at Pearce House the quality of the pitches is compromised by overplay.

 There is collective peak time deficit of 3.5 match equivalents and this figure would increase to 11.5 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted. 61

Mini-soccer 7v7 grass pitches

2.61 The peak period for mini-soccer 7v7 grass pitches is Saturday mornings:

Figure 70: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Grange 3 BS Community FC 12.0 4.0 +8.0 3.0 3.0 Balanced Paddocks Leisure Centre TOTAL 3 - 12.0 4.0 +8.0 3.0 3.0 Balanced

Figure 71: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance All Saints 1 Watton Youth FC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Primary School All Saints Primary School Aston Junior 1 Watton Youth FC 4.0 2.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 School Aston Junior School Crouchfields 2 Wodson Park FC 8.0 1.0 +7.0 2.0 1.0 +1.0 Ralph Sadlier 1 Hares Youth FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced School Ralph Sadlier School The Bury 1 Buntingford Cougars FC 6.0 2.5 +3.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Thundridge 1 Ware Lions FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Sports Ground Walkern Jubilee (1) Austen Arrowheads FC 1.0 0.5 +0.5 0.5 0.5 Balanced Pavilion TOTAL 7(1) - 29.0 11.0 +18.0 7.5 6.5 +1.0

Figure 72: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance County Hall 2 Hertford Town FC 8.0 5.0 +3.0 2.0 2.5 -0.5 Sports Ground Hartham 1 Bury Rangers FC 4.0 3.0 +1.0 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Common Presdales (2) Bury Rangers FC 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Recreation Ground St. Mary’s 1 Ware Rangers FC 4.0 4.0 Balanced 1.0 1.0 Balanced Junior School St. Mary’s Junior School The Sele School 2 Bengeo Tigers FC 8.0 4.5 +3.5 2.0 2.0 Balanced Trinity Playing 1 Ware Youth FC 6.0 2.5 +3.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 Fields TOTAL 7(2) - 32.0 20.0 +12.0 8.0 9.5 -1.5 62

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds: None

Figure 73: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 2 Wodson Park FC 8.0 1.0 +7.0 2.0 1.0 +1.0 TOTAL 2 - 8.0 1.0 +7.0 2.0 1.0 +1.0

2.62 The key findings are:

 There are small peak time deficits at five sites, all of which are managed by scheduling fixtures consecutively. In all cases, there is sufficient weekly pitch carrying capacity to accommodate this use.

 There is a small collective peak time surplus of 0.5 match equivalents, although there would be a deficit of 5.5 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

Mini-soccer 5v5 grass pitches

2.63 The peak period for mini-soccer 5v5 grass pitches is Saturday mornings:

 Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds: None

Figure 75: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 5v5 pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance All Saints 1 Watton Youth FC 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Primary School Aston Junior 1 Watton Youth FC 4.0 2.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 School Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park Youth FC 4.0 1.0 +3.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Ralph Sadleir 1 Hares Youth FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced School Ralph Sadlier School The Bury 2 Buntingford Cougars FC 12.0 2.5 +9.5 2.0 1.5 +0.5 Thundridge 1 Ware Lions FC 4.0 1.5 +2.5 1.0 1.0 Balanced Sports Ground Walkern Jubilee (1) Austen Arrowheads FC 1.0 0.5 +0.5 0.5 0.5 Balanced Pavilion East Herts 7(1) - 31.0 11.0 +20.0 7.5 6.0 +1.5

Figure 76: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 5v5 pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Hartham 3 Hertford Town FC 12.0 3.5 +8.5 3.0 2.0 +1.0 Common Hertford Heath 1 Hertford Heath FC 4.0 1.0 +3.0 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Playing Fields St. Mary’s 1 Ware Rangers FC 4.0 3.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Junior School St. Mary’s Junior School The Sele School 1 Bengeo Tigers 4.0 5.0 -1.0 1.0 2.5 -1.5 Trinity Playing 2 Ware Youth FC 12.0 3.5 +8.5 2.0 2.0 Balanced Fields TOTAL 8 - 36.0 16.0 +20.0 8.0 8.0 Balanced

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds: None

Figure 77: Supply-demand balance of mini-soccer 5v5 pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Crouchfields 1 Wodson Park Youth FC 4.0 1.0 +3.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced TOTAL 1 - 4.0 1.0 +3.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced

2.64 The key findings are:

 There is a small peak time deficit at one site, which are managed by scheduling fixtures consecutively. Apart from the Sele School pitch, there is sufficient weekly pitch carrying capacity to accommodate this use.

 There is a collective peak time surplus of 3.0 match equivalents, although this figure would be a deficit of 3.0 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

‘3G’ football turf pitches

2.65 Introduction: The methodology for assessing the need for ‘3G’ football turf pitches involves assessing information from three sources:

 The actual used capacity of artificial turf pitches is based upon their hours of use in the peak period supplied by the pitch operators.

 A projection based upon the FA’s guide figure of one pitch per 42 teams.

 An assessment of the results of Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model National Facilities Audit ‘run’ for artificial turf pitches in East Herts.

2.66 Used capacity of artificial turf pitches: The used capacity of ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts is based upon their hours of use in the peak period.

Figure 78: Used capacity of ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts

Site Pitches Users Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance Allenbury Sports 40m x 25m Allenbury’s FC 10.0 10.0 Balanced & Social Club Allenbury’s Sports FC Birchwood High 70m x 44.5m Bishop’s Stortford 22.0 22.0 Balanced School Community FC Hartham Leisure 40m x 25m Hertford Town FC 20.0 13.0 +7.0 Centre Commercial leagues Hartham Leisure 40m x 25m Hertford Town FC 20.0 13.0 +7.0 Centre Commercial leagues Wodson Park 103m x 63m Bury Rangers FC 20.0 20.0 Balanced Sports Centre Hertford Town FC Mangrove FC Ware FC Ware Youth FC Wodson Park FC

2.67 The key findings are:

 Allenbury Sports Club, Birchwood High School and Wodson Park Sports Centre are fully utilised in the peak periods, although the Allenbury’s pitch is not available for external hire.

 There is limited spare capacity at the pitches at Hartham Leisure Centre.

 There is collective peak-time spare capacity of 14 hours per week, although if the Allenbury’s pitch was excluded, this figure falls to four hours per week.

 Use of ‘3G’ football turf pitches outside of the district by East Herts clubs amounts to a further 15 hours per week of peak time demand.

2.68 FA assessment: A supplementary way of assessing ‘3G’ pitch needs is to apply the FA’s guide figure of one full-sized pitch per 42 teams and/or one small-sided pitch per ten teams. With 407 teams in East Herts at present, plus a further 64 teams representing unmet demand and 43 teams representing latent demand (see section 2.28 above) this produces a requirement for 12.23 pitches in the district as a whole. Existing provision of two effectively full-sized pitches and three small- sided pitches should meet the needs of 114 teams. The 400 remaining teams have an effective need for 9.53 full-sized ‘3G’ pitches.

2.69 Facilities Planning Model: Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) comprises a spatial assessment of artificial grass pitch provision based on the nature of demand within an area and the available supply, taking into account issues such as capacity (hours of availability in the peak period) and accessibility. The key findings for artificial grass pitches in East Herts (including those with sand- filled/dressed surfaces) for the National Facilities Audit ‘run’ of the FPM in 2016 were as follows:

 The FPM includes 7 AGPs in East Herts, although this figure excludes the three small-sided ‘3G’ pitches at Allenbury’s Sports Club and Hartham Leisure Centre and includes as fully available a pitch at Bishop’s Stortford College that has only three hours of community use per week.

 The FPM calculates that satisfied demand is fairly high at 86%, although this is largely on the basis that 65% of demand from within East Herts is exported to other areas (principally to pitches in Stevenage, Harlow, Welwyn Garden City and Hoddesdon).

 Unmet demand is assessed as 14% of total demand, equivalent to 0.47 pitches.

 Used capacity is high at 100% and all individual facilities are operating at 100% utilised capacity at peak times. 81% of used capacity is catered for by facilities in neighbouring areas.

 Local share is a measure of which areas have a better or worse share of facility provision when compared against a national average figure which is set at 100. East Herts has a local share of 128, which means that provision is 28% better than the national average.

 Unmet demand is highest in the A10 corridor around Hertford and Ware.

2.70 Analysis: The three measures of the adequacy of provision of ‘3G’ pitch provision in East Herts identify contradictory findings that can be reconciled as follows:

 Used capacity: Actual usage data shows that there is some limited capacity in the peak period (14 hours per week), although this is offset by 15 hours a week of known exported demand to pitches in neighbouring areas so in practice the 100% utilised capacity in the FPM assessment seems broadly accurate.

 Exported demand: Based upon actual usage data, 19.2% of East Herts demand is currently exported to neighbouring areas, rather than the 65% calculated by the FPM.

 Unmet demand: The responses to the clubs’ survey indicate that there is insufficient peak-time artificial grass pitch availability both in East Herts and at pitches in neighbouring areas which are already heavily used.

 Assessed deficiency: The FPM assessed deficiency of 0.47 pitches understates the high levels of expressed and unmet football (and hockey) demand locally and overstates the effective supply of available peak-time capacity. For this reason, the FA assessed deficiency of 9.53 full-sized ‘3G’ pitches represents the most accurate measure of the shortfall.

Sub-area analysis

2.71 Introduction: The analysis of the current supply-demand balance in terms of match equivalents by sub-areas is set out below. Two scenarios are presented for each pitch type, one showing expressed demand only and the other showing total demand (expressed, plus displaced, unmet and latent demand).

2.72 Adult football:

Figure 79: Expressed supply-demand balance for adult football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 22.0 17.0 +5.0 11.0 11.5 -0.5 Buntingford 25.0 14.0 +11.0 13.0 10.0 +3.0 Hertford and Ware 37.0 32.0 +5.0 16.0 18.0 -2.0 Sawbridgeworth 9.0 5.5 +3.5 4.0 3.5 +0.5 Watton-at-Stone 4.0 2.5 +1.5 2.0 2.0 Balanced East Herts 97.0 71.0 +26.0 46.0 45.0 +1.0

Figure 80: Total supply-demand balance for adult football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 22.0 21.0 +1.0 11.0 13.5 -2.5 Buntingford 25.0 16.0 +9.0 13.0 12.0 +1.0 Hertford and Ware 35.0 37.0 -2.0 16.0 18.0 -2.0 Sawbridgeworth 9.0 6.0 +3.0 4.0 4.0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 4.0 3.0 +1.0 2.0 2.5 -0.5 East Herts 97.0 83.0 +14.0 46.0 50.0 -4.0

2.73 Youth 11v11 football:

Figure 81: Expressed supply-demand balance for youth 11v11 football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 12.0 9.5 +2.5 5.0 6.5 -1.5 Buntingford 13.0 9.0 +4.0 6.5 8.0 -1.5 Hertford and Ware 30.0 19.5 +10.5 12.5 16.5 -4.0 Sawbridgeworth ------Watton-at-Stone 2.0 1.5 +0.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 East Herts 57.0 39.5 +17.5 25.0 32.5 -7.5

Figure 82: Total supply-demand balance for youth 11v11 football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 12.5 14.0 -1.5 5.0 10.5 -5.5 Buntingford 13.0 11.0 +2.0 6.5 10.0 -3.5 Hertford and Ware 30.0 29.0 +1.0 12.5 15.0 -2.5 Sawbridgeworth 0.0 1.5 -1.5 0.0 1.5 -1.5 Watton-at-Stone 2.0 2.0 Balanced 1.0 2.0 -1.0 East Herts 57.5 57.5 Balanced 25.0 39.0 -14.0

2.74 Youth 9v9 football:

Figure 83: Expressed supply-demand balance for youth 9v9 football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 8.0 5.5 +1.5 4.0 4.5 -0.5 Buntingford 17.0 12.5 +4.5 8.5 10.5 -2.0 Hertford and Ware 22.0 14.5 +7.5 9.0 11.0 -2.0 Sawbridgeworth 2.0 0.5 +1.5 1.0 0.5 +0.5 Watton-at-Stone 6.0 3.5 +2.5 3.0 2.5 +0.5 East Herts 53.0 36.5 +16.5 24.5 28.0 -3.5

Figure 84: Total supply-demand balance for youth 9v9 football pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 8.0 8.5 -0.5 4.0 5.5 -1.5 Buntingford 17.0 13.5 +3.5 8.5 11.5 -3.0 Hertford and Ware 22.0 18.5 +3.5 9.0 13.0 -4.0 Sawbridgeworth 2.0 1.0 +1.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 6.0 3.5 +2.5 3.0 2.5 +0.5 East Herts 55.0 45.0 +10.0 25.5 33.5 -8.0

2.75 Mini-soccer 7v7:

Figure 85: Expressed supply-demand balance for mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 12.0 4.0 +8.0 3.0 3.0 Balanced Buntingford 29.0 11.0 +18.0 7.5 6.5 +1.0 Hertford and Ware 32.0 20.0 +12.0 8.0 9.5 -1.5 Sawbridgeworth 0 0 0 0 0 0 Watton-at-Stone 8.0 1.0 +7.0 2.0 1.0 +1.0 East Herts 81.0 36.0 +45.0 20.5 20.0 +0.5

Figure 86: Total supply-demand balance for mini-soccer 7v7 pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 12.0 6.0 +6.0 3.0 5.0 -2.0 Buntingford 29.0 12.0 +17.0 7.5 7.0 +0.5 Hertford and Ware 32.0 25.0 +7.0 8.0 14.5 -6.5 Sawbridgeworth 0 0 0 0 0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 8.0 2.0 +6.0 2.0 2.0 Balanced East Herts 81.0 45.0 +36.0 20.5 28.5 -8.0

2.76 Mini-soccer 5v5:

Figure 87: Expressed supply-demand balance for mini-soccer 5v5 pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 0 5.0 -5.0 0 2.5 -2.5 Buntingford 31.0 11.0 +20.0 7.5 6.0 +1.5 Hertford and Ware 36.0 16.0 +20.0 8.0 8.0 Balanced Sawbridgeworth 0 0 - 0 0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 4.0 1.0 +3.0 1.0 1.0 Balanced East Herts 81.0 33.0 +48.0 16.5 17.5 -1.0

Figure 88: Total supply-demand balance for mini-soccer 5v5 pitches in East Herts

Sub-area Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 0 7.0 -7.0 0 3.5 -3.5 Buntingford 31.0 12.0 +19.0 7.5 6.5 +1.0 Hertford and Ware 36.0 21.0 +15.0 8.0 10.0 -2.0 Sawbridgeworth 0 0 0 0 0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 4.0 1.5 +2.5 1.0 1.5 -0.5 East Herts 87.0 41.5 +45.5 16.5 20.5 -4.0

2.77 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: The assessment is based upon the FA’s 42 teams per full- sized pitch figure:

Figure 89: Expressed supply-demand balance for ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts

Sub-area No. Teams Pitch capacity Balance Pitch equivalents Bishop’s Stortford 107 42 -65 -1.55 Buntingford 66 0 -66 -1.57 Hertford and Ware 295 72 -223 -5.30 Sawbridgeworth 20 0 -20 -0.48 Watton-at-Stone 13 0 -13 -0.31 East Herts 514 114 -400 -9.52

Figure 90: Total supply-demand balance ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts

Sub-area No. Teams Pitch capacity Balance Pitch equivalents Bishop’s Stortford 133 42 -91 -2.17 Buntingford 80 0 -80 -1.90 Hertford and Ware 356 72 -284 -6.76 Sawbridgeworth 24 0 -24 -0.57 Watton-at-Stone 18 0 -18 -0.43 East Herts 611 114 -497 -11.83

2.78 The key findings are:

 Based on expressed demand only, there are peak time deficiencies in most of the larger types of grass pitch in the more urban sub-areas.

 Once total demand is included, there are collective deficiencies in all pitch types in the district, with the exception of mini-soccer 5v5 pitches where supply and demand are balanced.

 The collective deficiency is highest in the Hertford and Ware sub-area, but Bishop’s Stortford also exbibits an overall deficit.

Assessment of future needs

Population growth

2.79 Population growth to the end 2033 has been projected based upon housing supply targets. The population figures are as follows:

Figure 91: Population projections in East Herts to 2033

Population 2021 Population 2026 Population 2033 152,525 158,730 179,558

Location of growth

2.80 Housing targets and related population growth in each sub-area are projected as follows, based upon an average of 2.32 residents per dwelling:

Figure 92: Housing targets and population projections in East Herts to 2033

Sub-area Housing target to 2033 Extra Population 2033 Total Population 2033 Bishop’s Stortford 4,143 9,612 55,112 Buntingford 1,700 3,944 24,544 Hertford and Ware 1,950 4,524 66,824 Sawbridgeworth 3,550 8,236 22,736 Watton-at-Stone 1,350 3,132 10,332 East Herts 12,693 29,448 179,558

2.81 The location of growth within each sub-area is as follows. In several instances the proposed housing developments are on the boundary of the sub-area (and indeed the district as a whole), so the geographical focus of demand (and the related pitch supply solutions) is very specific:

Figure 93: Location of major proposed housing developments in East Herts by sub-area

Sub-area Location of development Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford North and Bishop’s Stortford South Buntingford Land east of Stevenage Hertford and Ware Land north and east of Ware and sites around Hertford Sawbridgeworth Gilston Garden Town and land north and east of Sawbridgeworth Watton-at-Stone Land east of Welwyn Garden City

Potential changes in demand

2.82 In addition to the growth in population, potential increases in participation need to be factored in. estimates the demand which might arise from the new developments. Two alternative scenarios have therefore been considered, a 0% increase in participation and 0.5% increase in participation.

Potential changes in supply

2.83 The following football pitch development projects in East Herts are currently being proposed:

 Outline planning consent has been granted for grass pitches with provision for community use at a new secondary school and two new primary schools at the Bishop’s Stortford North development.

 Outline planning permission and section 106 funding has been secured for two adult football pitches and a pavilion at Hoggate’s Park in the Bishop’s Stortford North development.

 New secondary schools with dual use playing fields are proposed in the Local Plan to the north of Ware, the east of Welwyn Garden City and in the south of Bishop’s Stortford.

 Freman College in Buntingford has planning consent for an extension to its playing field.

 Active proposals for ‘3G’ pitches include:

- One at Richard Hale School (Hertford) which is under construction. - Three at Haileybury College (Hertford). - Two at a site to be identified by BS Community FC in Bishop’s Stortford. - One at The Bury in Buntingford. - One at Pearce House (Birchwood High School, Bishop’s Stortford).

Existing spare capacity

2.84 Based upon the assessment of current needs, the current shortfalls are as follows:

Figure 94: Current football pitch needs in East Herts by sub-area

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult +1.0 +0.5 -5.0 -2.5 Youth 11v11 -6.5 -3.5 -14.0 -7.0 Youth 9v9 -3.0 -1.5 -8.0 -4.0 Mini-soccer 7v7 Balanced 0 -8.0 -2.0 Mini-soccer 5v5 -1.0 -0.5 -4.0 -1.0 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -9.52 - -11.83

Figure 95: Current football pitch needs in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult -0.5 -0.25 -2.5 -1.25 Youth 11v11 -1.5 -0.75 -5.5 -2.75 Youth 9v9 -0.5 -0.25 -1.5 -0.75 Mini-soccer 7v7 Balanced 0 -2.0 -0.5 Mini-soccer 5v5 -2.5 -0.5 -3.5 -1.0 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -1.55 - -2.17

Figure 96: Current football pitch needs in Buntingford and surrounds

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult +3.0 +1.5 +1.0 +0.5 Youth 11v11 -1.5 -0.75 -3.5 -1.75 Youth 9v9 -2.0 -1.0 -3.0 -1.5 Mini-soccer 7v7 +1.0 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25 Mini-soccer 5v5 +1.5 +0.75 +1.0 +0.25 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -1.57 - -1.90

Figure 97: Current football pitch needs in Hertford and Ware

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult -2.0 -1.0 -3.0 -2.5 Youth 11v11 -4.0 -2.0 -2.5 -1.25 Youth 9v9 -2.0 -1.0 -4.0 -2.0 Mini-soccer 7v7 -1.5 -0.5 -6.5 -1.75 Mini-soccer 5v5 Balanced 0 -2.0 -0.5 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -5.30 - -6.76

Figure 98: Current football pitch needs in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult +0.5 +0.25 Balanced 0 Youth 11v11 - 0 -1.5 -0.75 Youth 9v9 +0.5 +0.25 Balanced 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 - 0 - 0 Mini-soccer 5v5 - 0 - 0 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -0.48 - -0.57

Figure 99: Current football pitch needs in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Pitch type Expressed demand Expressed demand Total demand Total demand match equivalents pitch equivalents match equivalents pitch equivalents Adult Balanced 0 -0.5 -0.25 Youth 11v11 -0.5 -0.25 -1.0 -0.5 Youth 9v9 +0.5 +0.25 +0.5 +0.25 Mini-soccer 7v7 +1.0 +0.5 Balanced 0 Mini-soccer 5v5 Balanced 0 -0.5 -0.25 ‘3G’ football turf pitches - -0.31 - -0.43

2.85 Whilst some additional usable pitch capacity might be created by bringing some of the 11 currently disused pitches back into use and/or negotiating access to some of the 63 grass pitches on school sites that currently have no community access, in practice most potential opportunities in this regard have already been explored so it is preferable to disregard the possible extra capacity that might be derived from this source.

2.86 For ‘3G’ pitches, the FA guide figure of one pitch per 42 teams identified a deficit of 9.52 pitches.

Future grass pitch needs

2.87 Future grass pitch needs based on projected population increases are modelled below using ‘Team Generation Rates’ (TGRs), which identify how many people in a specified age group in the district are required to generate one team (including teams representing latent and unmet demand - see section 2.28). These are then applied to projected changes in population to identify the likely number of teams in the future. The population projections are based on the demographic profile typical of new housing developments, with a higher proportion of people in younger age groups.

2.88 The application of TGRs to projected population in each of the sub-areas in East Herts in 2033 produces the following results. The population figures include the residents of new housing in East Herts elements of the Sustainable Urban Extensions detailed in Part I of the study:

Figure 100: Future football pitch needs in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male football 33 8,617 1: 261 11,177 43 10 Adult female football 3 8,638 1: 2,879 11,198 4 1 Boys youth 11v11 football 27 1,179 1: 44 1,317 30 3 Girls youth 11v11 football 8 1,180 1: 148 1,318 9 1 Boys youth 9v9 football 12 515 1: 43 672 16 4 Girls youth 9v9 football 3 535 1: 178 692 4 1 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 20 1,006 1: 50 1,354 27 7 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 14 986 1: 70 1,374 20 6

Figure 101: Future football pitch needs in Buntingford and surrounds

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male football 21 4,244 1: 202 5,058 25 4 Adult female football 2 4,264 1: 2,123 5,078 2 0 Boys youth 11v11 football 11 490 1: 45 586 12 2 Girls youth 11v11 football 2 511 1: 256 606 2 0 Boys youth 9v9 football 10 245 1: 25 292 12 2 Girls youth 9v9 football 1 265 1: 265 315 1 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 9 520 1: 58 619 11 12 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 10 500 1: 50 595 12 2

Figure 102: Future football pitch needs in Hertford and Ware

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male football 71 12,855 1: 181 13,788 76 5 Adult female football 5 12,875 1: 2,575 13,810 5 0 Boys youth 11v11 football 52 1,504 1: 29 1,613 56 4 Girls youth 11v11 football 13 1,524 1: 117 1,635 14 1 Boys youth 9v9 football 37 761 1: 21 816 39 2 Girls youth 9v9 football 8 781 1: 98 838 9 1 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 55 1,501 1: 27 1,610 60 5 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 54 1,481 1: 27 1,589 59 5

Figure 103: Future football pitch needs in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male football 10 2,984 1: 298 4,679 16 6 Adult female football 2 3,004 1: 1,502 4,710 3 1 Boys youth 11v11 football 3 342 1: 114 536 5 2 Girls youth 11v11 football 0 363 - 569 0 0 Boys youth 9v9 football 1 174 1: 174 281 2 1 Girls youth 9v9 football 0 185 - 290 0 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 3 369 1: 123 579 5 2 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 1 349 1: 349 547 2 1

Figure 104: Future football pitch needs in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male football 2 1,476 1: 738 2,118 3 1 Adult female football 1 1,497 1: 1,497 2,148 1 0 Boys youth 11v11 football 2 170 1: 85 244 3 1 Girls youth 11v11 football 0 180 - 258 0 0 Boys youth 9v9 football 2 87 1: 44 125 3 1 Girls youth 9v9 football 0 91 - 131 0 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 3 183 1: 61 263 4 1 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 3 173 1: 58 248 4 1

2.89 In addition to increased demand based upon population growth, the effects of projected increases in participation of 0.5% per annum are modelled below. When added to population growth, the number of teams are as follows:

Figure 105: Projected increase in football teams in East Herts due to participation growth

Age group Bishop’s Buntingford Hertford and Sawbridgeworth Watton-at- Stortford Ware Stone Adult male football 47 27 82 17 3 Adult female football 4 2 5 3 1 Boys youth 11v11 football 32 13 61 5 3 Girls youth 11v11 football 10 2 15 0 0 Boys youth 9v9 football 17 12 42 2 3 Girls youth 9v9 football 4 1 10 0 0 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 29 12 65 5 4 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 22 13 64 2 4

2.90 The impact of the combined effects of increased population and increased demand for pitches in each sub-area in East Herts is projected as follows. Additional pitch needs are calculated based on the capacity of ‘standard’ quality grass pitches

Figure 106: Future football pitch needs in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Age group Current Total teams with Total teams with population Additional teams population growth but and 0.5% annual pitch needs no participation growth participation growth Adult football 36 47 51 7.5 Youth 11v11 football 35 39 42 3.5 Youth 9v9 football 15 20 21 3.0 Mini-soccer 7v7 20 27 29 2.5 Mini-soccer 5v5 14 20 22 2.0

Figure 107: Future football pitch needs in Buntingford and surrounds

Age group Current Total teams with Total teams with population Additional teams population growth but and 0.5% participation pitch needs no participation growth growth Adult football 23 27 29 2.0 Youth 11v11 football 13 14 15 1.0 Youth 9v9 football 11 13 13 1.0 Mini-soccer 7v7 9 11 12 1.0 Mini-soccer 5v5 10 12 13 1.0

Figure 108: Future football pitch needs in Hertford and Ware

Age group Current Total teams with Total teams with population Additional teams population growth but and 0.5% participation pitch needs no participation growth growth Adult football 76 81 87 5.5 Youth 11v11 football 65 70 76 4.5 Youth 9v9 football 45 48 52 3.5 Mini-soccer 7v7 55 60 65 2.5 Mini-soccer 5v5 54 59 64 2.5

Figure 109: Future football pitch needs in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Age group Current Total teams with Total teams with population Additional teams population growth but and 0.5% participation pitch needs no participation growth growth Adult football 12 19 20 4.0 Youth 11v11 football 3 5 5 1.0 Youth 9v9 football 1 2 2 0.5 Mini-soccer 7v7 3 5 5 0.5 Mini-soccer 5v5 1 2 2 0.5

Figure 110: Future football pitch needs in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Age group Current Total teams with Total teams with Additional teams population growth but population and 0.5% pitch needs no participation growth participation growth Adult football 3 4 4 0.5 Youth 11v11 football 2 3 3 0.5 Youth 9v9 football 2 3 3 0.5 Mini-soccer 7v7 3 4 4 0.5 Mini-soccer 5v5 3 4 4 0.5

2.91 The total spatial requirements of the additional grass pitch needs in each sub area are as follows. The calculations include an allowance for pitch run-offs, changing facilities and car parking based upon the following spatial provision:

Figure 111: Spatial requirements for different types of football pitch

Pitch type Spatial allowance Adult football 0.82ha Youth 11v11 football 0.72ha Youth 9v9 football 0.62ha Mini-soccer 7v7 0.52ha Mini-soccer 5v5 0.42ha ‘3G’ pitch 0.82ha

Figure 112: Total spatial requirements for extra pitches by sub-area in East Herts

Sub-area Spatial requirements Bishop’s Stortford 15.20ha Buntingford 4.70ha Hertford and Ware 14.72ha Sawbridgeworth 5.48ha Watton-at-Stone 1.86ha East Herts 41.96ha

Future ‘3G’ pitch needs

2.92 Based upon the FA guideline that there should be one ‘3G’ football turf pitch per 42 teams, there will be a requirement for the following provision by 2033, based upon the same projections as for grass football pitches:

Figure 113: Future ‘3G’ football turf pitch needs in East Herts

Sub-area Current Total teams with Total teams with population Additional teams population growth but and 0.5% annual pitch needs no participation growth participation growth Bishop’s Stortford 107 153 165 1.38 Buntingford 66 77 82 0.38 Hertford and Ware 295 318 344 1.17 Sawbridgeworth 20 33 34 0.33 Watton-at-Stone 13 18 18 0.12 East Herts 514 599 643 3.07

Key findings and issues

What are the main characteristics of current supply and demand?

2.93 The key characteristics of current supply and demand for football in East Herts are as follows:

 407 affiliated teams play football in East Herts and most local match demand can be accommodated within the district. A further 107 teams are attributable to unmet and latent demand. Only 4.8% of players in East Herts teams live outside the district.

 Football is very buoyant in the district, with several large clubs with 20 teams or more based in the main centres of population.

 Almost all clubs have experienced growth in the past three years, particularly in the youth and mini age groups. However, the main factor inhibiting growth is a shortage of pitches, which was cited by 71.4% of club respondents.

 The activities of several of the larger FA Charter Standard clubs in the district are curtailed by the quantity and/or quality of pitch and ancillary facilities provision, in particular:

 Five adult pitches are currently unused, which reflects the reduction in affiliated teams in this age group.

 24 youth and 23 mini-soccer pitches are on school sites with no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage, given the resurgent demand for football in these age groups and the waiting lists being operated by several clubs at present.

 Only 3.8% of grass pitches in the district are rated as ‘poor’ quality, although a number of others score towards the lower end of the ‘standard’ quality range and could easily become poor quality if grounds maintenance regimes are allowed to deteriorate any further.  35.1% of all pitches in East Herts are served by ‘poor’ quality or no changing facilities, including those at key sites like Grange Paddocks, Crouchfields and Hartham Common.

 Demand for floodlit ‘3G’ football turf pitches significantly outstrips supply, with many teams having to access pitches in neighbouring areas. Based on the FA calculation that there should be one full-sized ‘3G’ pitch per 42 teams, there should be 12.24 pitches in East Herts, compared with the one current full-sized facility. However, construction has commenced on another full-sized pitch at Richard Hale School (Hertford).

 Pitch hire charges in East Herts are comparable to those in neighbouring areas, so prices should have no influence on imported or exported demand.

 Grounds maintenance expenditure is at or below the lower end of the levels recommended by Sport England, although the provision of voluntary labour by clubs to support pitch maintenance is not costed within the local figures.

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet current demand?

2.94 The situation for each type of football pitch is as follows:

 Adult pitches: There is collective peak time surplus of 1.0 match equivalents and this figure changes to a deficit of 1.0 match equivalent if the site with unsecured community access (Freman College) is discounted.

 Youth 11v11 pitches: There is a collective peak time deficit of 6.5 match equivalents. This figure increases to 11.5 match equivalents if the sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

 Youth 9v9 pitches: There is collective peak time deficit of 3.0 match equivalents and this figure would increase to 11.0 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

 Mini-soccer 7v7 pitches: Supply and demand are balanced at peak time and but figure would become a deficit of 6.0 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

 Mini-soccer 5v5 pitches: There is a collective peak time surplus of 4.0 match equivalents, although this figure would be a deficit of 2.0 match equivalents if sites with unsecured community access are discounted.

 ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There is collective deficit of 9.52 ‘3G’ football turf pitches based upon the FA’s one pitch per 42 teams’ formula.

 Sub-area shortfalls: Sub-area shortfalls are particularly prevalent in the Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford and Ware sub-areas.

Is the accessible provision of suitable quality and appropriately maintained?

2.95 The current situation on pitch quality and maintenance is as follows:

 Grass pitch quality: Only 3.8% of grass pitches in the district are rated as ‘poor’ quality, although a number of others score towards the lower end of the ‘standard’ quality range and could easily become poor quality if grounds maintenance regimes are allowed to deteriorate any further.

 Pitch quality: 54.5% of respondents believe that pitch quality has deteriorated since last season, although all pitches still meet league standards.

 Changing facilities: 35.1% of all pitches in East Herts are served by ‘poor’ quality or no changing facilities, including those at key sites like Grange Paddocks, Crouchfields and Hartham Common.

What are the main characteristics of future supply and demand?

2.96 The main characteristics of future supply and demand are as follows:

 Population growth: The population of East Herts is estimated to be 179,558 by 2033. This represents an increase of 17.7% in the period. The effects of this in terms of additional team generation are as follows:

Figure 114: Effects of population growth on football team numbers in East Herts

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult male football 163 21 Adult female football 15 1 Boys youth 11v11 football 106 15 Girls youth 11v11 football 25 13 Boys youth 9v9 football 82 8 Girls youth 9v9 football 14 1 Mini-soccer 7v7 (mixed) 107 20 Mini-soccer 5v5 (mixed) 97 17

 Changes in demand: Projected increases in participation of 0.5% per annum will lead to a compound increase in demand of 8.3% by 2033. The effects of this in terms of additional team generation are as follows:

Figure 115: Effects of participation growth on football team numbers in East Herts

itch type Future teams Extra teams Adult football 178 15 Youth 11v11 football 131 11 Youth 9v9 football 96 8 Mini-soccer 7v7 107 9 Mini-soccer 5v5 97 8

 Changes in supply: There are no known development threats to any existing pitch sites, including those that are currently disused. However, there is no secured community use of any of the pitches on school sites and so access could, in theory, be withdrawn at any time. There are a number of pitch development proposals in the district at present, many of which involve the development of education provision with dual use by the community.

 Grass pitch spare capacity: Whilst some additional usable pitch capacity might be created by bringing some of the currently disused pitches back into use and/or negotiating access to some of the grass pitches on school sites that currently have no community access, in practice most potential opportunities in this regard have already been explored so it is preferable to disregard the possible extra capacity that might be derived from this source.

 ‘3G’ pitch spare capacity: The current calculated deficit for ‘3G’ pitches in the district is 9.52 full-sized facilities.

 Future pitch needs: The additional pitch requirements arising from increases in population and participation in each sub-area by 2033 have been assessed as follows, based upon the capacity of ‘standard’ quality pitches:

Figure 116: Additional future football pitch needs in East Herts

Sub-area Adult Youth 11v11 Youth 9v9 Mini 7v7 Mini 5v5 ‘3G’ Bishop’s Stortford 7.5 3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.38 Buntingford 2.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.38 Hertford and Ware 5.5 4.5 3.5 2.5 2.5na 1.17 Sawbridgeworth 4.0 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.33 Watton-at-Stone 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.12 East Herts 19.5 10.0 8.5 7.0 6.5 3.07

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet future demand?

2.97 The situation at community accessible pitches in each sub-area is as follows. Where a fraction of a pitch is calculated, the figure should be round up to the nearest whole number. The total spatial requirement is 41.96ha for additional grass pitches and 11.64ha for ‘3G’ football turf pitches

Figure 117: Additional future football pitch needs in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Pitch type Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 2033 needs Adult football 9 -0.5 matches 9.5 pitches 7.5 pitches 17 pitches 8 pitches Youth 11v11 7 -1.5 matches 8.5 pitches 3.5 pitches 12 pitches 5 pitches Youth 9v9 3 -0.5 matches 3.5 pitches 3.0 pitches 6.5 pitches 3.5 pitches Mini 7v7 4 Balanced 4.0 pitches 2.5 pitches 6.5 pitches 2.5 pitches Mini 5v5 4 +1.5 matches 2.5 pitches 2.0 pitches 4.5 pitches 0.5 pitches ‘3G’ 1 -1.55 pitches 2.55 pitches 1.38 pitches 3.93 pitches 2.93 pitches

Figure 118: Additional future football pitch needs in Buntingford and surrounds

Pitch type Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 2033 needs Adult football 12 +3.0 matches 9.0 pitches 2.0 pitches 11.0 pitches None Youth 11v11 5 -0.5 matches 5.5 pitches 1.0 pitch 6.5 pitches 1.5 pitches Youth 9v9 4.5 -2.0 matches 6.5 pitches 1.0 pitch 7.5 pitches 3 pitches Mini 7v7 5.5 +0.5 matches 5.0 pitches 1.0 pitch 6.0 pitches 0.5 pitches Mini 5v5 6.5 +1.5 matches 5.0 pitches 1.0 pitch 6.0 pitches None ‘3G’ 0 -1.57 pitches 1.57 pitches 0.38 pitches 1.95 pitches 1.95 pitches

Figure 119: Additional future football pitch needs in Hertford and Ware

Pitch type Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 2033 needs Adult football 16 -2.0 matches 18.0 pitches 5.5 pitches 23.5 pitches 7.5 pitches Youth 11v11 12.5 -4.0 matches 16.5 pitches 4.5 pitches 21.0 pitches 8.5 pitches Youth 9v9 9 -2.0 matches 11.0 pitches 3.5 pitches 14.5 pitches 5.5 pitches Mini 7v7 8 -1.5 matches 9.5 pitches 2.5 pitches 13.0 pitches 5 pitches Mini 5v5 7 +1.0 match 6.0 pitches 2.5 pitches 8.5 pitches 1.5 pitches ‘3G’ 1.71 -5.3 pitches 7.01 pitches 1.17 pitches 8.18 pitches 6.47 pitches

Figure 120: Additional future football pitch needs in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Pitch type Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 2033 needs Adult football 4 +0.5 matches 3.5 pitches 4.0 pitches 7.5 pitches 3.5 pitches Youth 11v11 0 Balanced 0 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches Youth 9v9 1 +0.5 matches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 1.0 pitch None Mini 7v7 0 Balanced 0 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches Mini 5v5 0 Balanced 0 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 0.5 pitches ‘3G’ 0 -0.48 pitches 0.48 pitches 0.33 pitches 0.81 pitches 0.81 pitches

Figure 121: Additional future football pitch needs in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Pitch type Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 2033 needs Adult football 2 Balanced 2.0 pitches 0.5 pitches 2.5 pitches 0.5 pitches Youth 11v11 1 -0.5 matches 1.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 2.0 pitches 1.0 pitch Youth 9v9 2 +0.5 matches 1.5 pitches 0.5 pitches 2.0 pitches None Mini 7v7 2 +1.0 match 1.0 pitch 0.5 pitches 1.5 pitches None Mini 5v5 1 Balanced 1.0 pitch 0.5 pitches 1.5 pitches 0.5 pitches ‘3G’ 0 -0.31 pitches 0.31 pitches 0.12 pitches 0.43 pitches 0.43 pitches

The options for securing additional accessible and secured pitch capacity

2.98 The options for securing the additional pitches are as follows:

 Protect: Protecting existing pitch sites through the Local Plan will be key both to maintaining the current stock and to increase secured local capacity by:

- Securing access to at least some of the 63 existing grass pitches on school sites.

- Reinstating some or all of the 11 un-used pitches, with conversion to smaller pitches where appropriate. 83

 Provide: Ensuring that new pitch and related changing provision is made in conjunction with new housing developments, either on site or through developer contributions that reflect the additional pitch demand arising from the increased population.

- The FA’s highest regional facilities priority is to secure a home base for Bishop’s Stortford Community FC. The preferred option is for a site with two ‘3G’ full-sized football turf pitches and a clubhouse. East Herts Council should take a proactive approach to assisting the club with acquiring a site, which might include purchasing the land and leasing it to the club to develop and operate the facilities.

- Bengeo Tigers FC and Hertford Town FC are investigating the feasibility of developing pitches at a site near Hertford currently owned by Lafarge.

- Several pitch developments on new and existing education sites have potential to meet additional community needs, providing access is secured through the planning process.

 Enhance: Improving the carrying capacity of existing pitches will accommodate additional play. The options include improved drainage and maintenance to grass pitches, floodlighting to extend usage periods and providing more ‘3G’ surfaces in lieu of grass pitches.

Policy recommendations

2.99 The recommendations in relation to football are made in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 74, which stipulates that existing open space including playing pitches, should not be built upon unless:

 An assessment has taken place which has clearly shown the open space to be surplus to requirements, or;

 The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality, in a suitable location, or;

 The development is for alternative sport and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweighs the loss.

2.100 The following recommendations are arranged under the three main headings of ‘protect’, ‘enhance’ and ‘provide’.

2.101 Protect:

 Recommendation 1 - Safeguarding existing provision: The East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy comprises a robust and evidence-based assessment of current and future needs for football in the district. The Strategy has identified a need for all current and disused football pitch sites to be retained, on the basis of the specific identified roles that each can play in delivering the needs of the sport in East Herts both now and in the future. It is therefore recommended that existing planning policies continue to support the retention of all sites, based upon the evidence in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

 Recommendation 2 - Community access to education facilities: 24 youth and 23 mini-soccer pitches are on school sites with no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage, given the resurgent demand for football in these age groups and the waiting lists being operated by several clubs at present.

- Efforts are made to secure community use agreements at existing education pitches.

- Community use agreements become a standard condition of planning consent at all new education pitches, along with a design and specification that is consistent with maximising school and community use.

2.102 Enhance:

 Recommendation 3 - Capacity improvements: Some current demand for football in East Herts can be accommodated by enhancing existing provision. It is recommended that the priorities identified in the site-specific action plan in the East Herts PPS be used as the basis for prioritising pitch and ancillary facility enhancements that will help to alleviate some of the current identified deficits.

 Recommendation 4 - Developer contributions (enhancements): Some of the additional demand for football arising from housing development in East Herts, can be accommodated through enhancements to existing pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the priorities identified in the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining facility enhancements that demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover the capital and revenue implications of the enhancements. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123, unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

2.103 Provide:

 Recommendation 5 - Strategic hub site solutions: Several of the larger, strategically important clubs in East Herts currently experience operational difficulties, with teams playing on scattered sites and frequently on poor quality pitches. It is therefore recommended that in line with FA guidance strategic hub site solutions involving two ‘3G’ pitches, grass pitches and clubhouse facilities be investigated for the following clubs and locations:

- Bishop’s Stortford Community FC.

- Bengeo Tigers and Hertford Town FC.

- Buntingford Cougars FC.

- Wodson Park Sports Trust/North Ware extension.

- Gilston Garden Village.

 Recommendation 6 - ‘3G’ football turf pitches: There is a particularly large deficit of ‘3G’ pitches in East Herts, amounting to a current shortfall of 9.5 pitches, with projected needs for an additional 3 pitches to meet future demand. It is therefore recommended that existing proposals for ‘3G’ pitches be assessed in the context of the identified shortfalls and encouraged where appropriate. Where there are no active plans, the Strategy Implementation Group should seek local solutions on a proactive basis.

 Recommendation 7 - Developer contributions (new provision): Most of the extra demand for football arising from housing developments in East Herts, will need to be accommodated through new provision. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts PPS be used to determine which proposed provision demonstrably relates to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover their capital and revenue cost implications. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions. Some of the facility solutions are likely to involve provision in neighbouring areas (e.g. the developments east of Welwyn Garden City and Stevenage) and provision should be made for cross-border coordination and financial contributions.

Scenario testing

2.104 Based upon the key findings and issues identified above, a number of scenarios have been examined, to identify the optimum approach to addressing needs.

2.105 Accommodating matches on ‘3G’ pitch provision:

 Rationale: The FA has a target to play 50% of all youth football and mini-soccer matches on ‘3G’ pitches by 2019. However, it has also developed a model to calculate the effect of transferring all matches for teams who currently play on grass pitches to ‘3G’. The results of applying this in East Herts are as below:

Figure 122: Scenario showing the effect of playing all football matches on ‘3G’ pitches

Format Total Number of Matches Number Duration of Hours of Fixture of the number teams playing per full of match session (inc. play on Assumptions Equivalents game of teams at peak time size AGP sessions changeover) 3G AGP

Assumes that 5v5 5v5 65 64 32 4 8.0 1 8.0 and 7v7 fixtures are programmed on the 7v7 73 73 37 2 18.5 1 18.5 hour Assumes that 9v9 fixtures are 9v9 64 64 32 2 16.0 1.5 24.0 programmed every 90 minutes Youth 85 85 43 1 43.0 2 86.0 11v11 Assumes that 11v11 Adult fixtures are 57 29 1 29.0 2 58.0 11v11 Sat programmed every 122 Adult 120 minutes 65 33 1 33.0 2 66.0 11v11 Sun Hours of 3G play per Total 409 351 176 - 147.5 - 250.5 weekend

 Advantages: Accommodating matches on ‘3G’ pitches would ensure that play could take place on high-quality all-weather surfaces that would eliminate the fixture postponements that are a feature of grass pitches during the winter months.

 Disadvantages: Based on the FA’s modelling, there would be a need for more than 250 hours of weekend ‘3G’ pitch availability to accommodate all matches currently played on grass in East Herts, which is equivalent to almost 21 full- sized ‘3G’ pitches (assuming 12 hours of weekend peak-time availability) just to meet existing needs. The provision of 21 additional ‘3G’ pitches would be costly, amounting to around £15.75 million at current prices.

 Conclusions: Whilst the strategic hub site solutions outlined in recommendation 5 above should be purposed as a priority, the provision of ‘3G’ pitches to meet all competitive football needs would not be feasible.

Action plan

2.106 In the context of the recommendations above, the tables below set out the football action plan by sub area to guide the implementation of the strategy. The abbreviations stand for EHC - East Herts Council, IOG - Institute of Groundsmanship and FA - Football Association. The capital cost estimates are based upon Sport England’s ‘Facility Costs - Second Quarter of 2016’ (2016).

Figure 123: Football key strategic actions

Issue Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Strategic hub site  Identify and secure EHC BSCFC TBC High solution in Bishop’s a suitable site Herts FA Stortford  Feasibility study Football Foundation  Develop the site Strategic hub site  Identify and secure EHC Bengeo Tigers FC TBC High solution in Hertford a suitable site Hertford Town FC  Feasibility study Herts FA  Develop the site Football Foundation Strategic hub site  Identify and secure EHC Buntingford Cougars TBC High solution in a suitable site FC Buntingford  Feasibility study Herts FA  Develop the site Football Foundation Strategic hub site  Identify and secure EHC Wodson Park Trust TBC High solution in Ware a suitable site Herts FA  Feasibility study Football Foundation  Develop the site Strategic hub site  Identify and secure EHC Developer TBC High solution in Gilston a suitable site Herts FA Garden Village  Feasibility study Football Foundation  Develop the site Community access Pursue Community EHC Schools Possible Medium to education pitches Use Agreements at funding for existing high priority improvements sites and all future to physical proposed pitches on accessibility. education sites. Developer Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High contributions contributions for new and improved pitch provision related to new development.

Figure 124: Football site-specific actions in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Albury Poor quality adult Improve pitch Albury FC Albury £20,000 for Medium Football pitch and changing quality and new Parish pitch Ground facility. pavilion. Council £200,000 for pavilion Bishop’s Good quality pitch New pavilion BS Sports EHDC £500,000 for Low for Stortford on cricket outfield. Trust pavilion football Sports Trust Trust wants to improve pavilion. Braughing Pitch and changing Maintain current Braughing - - Low Playing facilities towards provision Parish Fields the higher end of Council ‘standard’ quality. Brewery Very poor quality  Review grounds Rayments IOG £20,000 for Low Field pitch, no on-site maintenance Brewery pitch changing. Site regime with Furneux currently for sale. GaNTIP. Pelham PC  Ensure retention of site as a pitch. Friedberg Pitch quality in the Improve changing Bishop’s BS £50,000 for High Avenue mid-range of facilities as an Stortford Community upgraded Playing ‘standard’, but interim measure Town FC changing Fields changing is ‘poor’. prior to developing Council a hub site. Grange Pitch quality varies  Review grounds EHC IOG £150,000 Medium Paddocks within the maintenance for changing Leisure ‘standard’ range. with GaNTIP. as part of the Centre Changing is rated  Provide new leisure centre as ‘poor’. Could changing facility development designate site for as part of site adult pitches once developments. hub site provided  Review needs in elsewhere locally the context of Proposals for a the wider ‘3G’ ‘3G’ pitch pitch strategy for BS Pearce Pitch quality at the Secure use via a Birchwood EHC - Low House high end of Community Use HS ‘standard’ but no Agreement on-site changing. Prokit Pitch and changing Maintain current Bishop’s - - High Stadium very ‘high’ quality. provision Stortford FC Silverleys The adult pitch and Investigate Silverleys Bishop’s - High Trust changing are ‘high’ relocating BS Trust Stortford quality, but the Swifts FC to the Swifts FC youth pitch is in proposed the mid-range of Hoggates Park ‘standard’. site nearby.

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Bishop’s No community Initiate dialogue EHC Herts FA - Medium Stortford access to Jobbers with the school to BSHS High School Wood pitches. explore Proposed community use relocation of the potential. main school site Birchwood Proposals for a Review needs in EHC Herts FA - Medium High School second ‘3G’ pitch the context of the BSHS wider ‘3G’ pitch strategy for BS Herts and Proposals for a Secure EHC Herts FA - Medium Essex High new playing field Community Use BSHS School on Beldam’s Lane Agreement and explore Hub Site potential. Bishop’s New school pitches Secure EHC Herts FA - Medium Stortford to be provided on Community Use Herts CC North a site north of the Agreement and A120 explore Hub Site potential. Bishop’s New school pitches Secure EHC Herts FA - Medium Stortford to be provided at Community Use Herts CC South the secondary Agreement and school explore Hub Site potential.

Figure 125: Football site-specific actions in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority All Saints Pitch at the lower Secure use via a EHC All Saints - Low Primary end of ‘standard’. Community Use Primary School No changing for Agreement School community users. Aston Park Pitch quality at the Maintain current Datchworth - - Low high end of provision Parish ‘standard’, but no Council on-site changing. Aston St. Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Aston St. - Low Mary’s Junior lower end of Community Use Mary’s School ‘standard’. No Agreement Junior changing for School community users. Benington Changing facilities Support the self- Benington Football £50,000 High Recreation are not fit for build project Parish Foundation Ground purpose. Council Cottered Pitch at the lower Maintain current Cottered - - Low Playing Field end of ‘standard’ provision Parish but changing at the Council upper end of ‘standard’.

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Edwinstree Pitch at the high Secure use via a EHC Edwinstree - Low Middle School end of ‘standard’. Community Use Middle No changing for Agreement School community users. Freman Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Freman - Medium College high end of Community Use College standard. Changing Agreement rated ‘good’. Proposals to extend playing field. Horseman’s ‘Standard’ quality Maintain current Little - - Low Meadow pitch with no on- provision Munden site changing Parish provision. Council London Road Pitch quality in the Review the future Buntingford Buntingford - High Playing Field mid-range of of the site in the Cougars FC Relief in ‘standard’, but context of a Hub Need Charity changing is ‘poor’. Site at The Bury Norfolk Road Pitch quality is Review grounds Buntingford IOG - Medium Playing Fields ‘poor’ with a maintenance Town severe slope and regime with Council uneven surface, GaNTIP. but changing is ‘good’. Ralph Sadleir Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Ralph - Low School high end of Community Use Sadleir ‘standard’, but Agreement School changing is ‘good’. Seth Ward Adult pitch is Review grounds Buntingford IOG - Medium Community ‘poor’ and the maintenance Town Centre youth pitch at the regime with Council lower end of GaNTIP. ‘standard’. Changing is high end of ‘standard’ Standon Pitch quality and Maintain current Standon - - Low Playing Field changing both in provision Parish the mid-range of Council ‘standard’. The Bury Pitch quality and Feasibility study to Buntingford FA £20,000 for High changing both in provide a Hub Site Town FC Football feasibility the mid-range of with ‘3G’ pitch and Foundation study ‘standard’. improved pavilion Thundridge Pitch towards the Maintain current Thundridge - - Low Playing Fields lower end of provision Parish ‘standard’, but Council changing is in the mid-range of ‘standard’.

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Thundridge Pitch quality at the Maintain current EHC Ware Youth - Low Sports high end of provision FC Ground ‘standard’, but changing is in the mid-range of ‘standard’. Walkern Pitch quality is in Maintain current Walkern - - Low Jubilee the mid-range of provision Parish Pavilion ‘standard’, but Council changing is ‘high’ quality. Westmill Pitch quality is at Maintain current Westmill - - Low Recreation the high end of provision Parish Ground ‘standard’, but Council changing is at the low end of ‘standard’. East of 600 new homes to Meet needs by EHC Stevenage TBC High Stevenage be built east of securing developer BC development Stevenage. contributions to Developers enhance pitch provision in Stevenage

Figure 126: Football site-specific actions in Hertford and Ware

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Allenbury Very high quality Maintain current Allenbury - - Low Sports and pitches, changing provision Sports and Social Club at the high end of Social Club ‘standard’ quality. Bengeo Sports Pitch quality at the Review grounds Bengeo IOG £20,000 for Medium Field lower end of maintenance Parish pitch ‘standard’. ‘Good’ regime with Council quality changing. GaNTIP. County Hall Pitches and Make improved Hertford Herts County - Low Sports Ground changing both at provision Town YFC Council the lower end of elsewhere via a ‘standard’ quality. new hub site. Hartham Pitch quality at the  Provide new EHC Leisure £500,000 for Medium Common/ lower end of changing centre pavilion Leisure Centre ‘standard’, but facilities. operator changing is ‘poor’.  Could designate site for adult pitches once hub site provided elsewhere locally

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Hertford High quality pitch Maintain current Hertford FC - - High Football Club and changing provision facilities in an enclosed ground. Hertford Pitch quality and Maintain current Hertford - - Low Heath Playing changing both at provision Heath Fields the lower end of Parish ‘standard’. Council Presdales Pitches and  Review grounds Bury IOG £150,000 for High Recreation changing both at maintenance Rangers FC EHC pitches Ground the lower end of regime with Football £500,000 for ‘standard’ quality GaNTIP. Foundation pavilion which is not  Provide new acceptable at a key changing multi-pitch site. facilities. Sacred Heart Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Sacred - Low Primary School mid-range of Community Use Heart ‘standard’. Agreement Primary School St. Pitches and  Maintain current SMSSC - £150,000 for High Margaretsbury pavilion are high provision small-sided Sports & Social quality.  Provide small- ‘3G’ pitch Club sided ‘3G’ pitch St. Mary’s Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC St. Mary’s - Low Junior School mid-range of Community Use Junior ‘standard’. Agreement School Simon Balle Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Simon Balle - Low School mid-range of Community Use School ‘standard’. Agreement The Sele Pitch quality high Secure use via a EHC The Sele - Low School end of ‘standard, Community Use School changing low end Agreement of ‘standard’ Trinity Playing Pitch quality varies  Maintain current Ware Youth - - High Fields slightly but all are provision FC at the high end of  Protect site ‘standard’ and against disposal changing is ‘good’. by Herts CC Ware Football Pitch and changing Maintain current Ware FC - - Medium Club both very ‘high’ provision quality. West Street Pitch quality Review grounds Hertford FC IOG £10,000 for Medium Playing Field towards the lower maintenance pitch end of ‘standard’. regime with No on-site GaNTIP. changing. Wodson Park Pitch and changing  Maintain current Wodson - £20,000 for High Sports Centre both ‘high’ quality. provision Trust feasibility  Feasibility study study for hub site 93

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Chauncy Pitches formerly Investigate EHC Chauncy - Medium School has community use potential to School reinstate community use Richard Hale ‘3G’ pitch opened Review the role of EHC Herts FA - Medium School in 2017. the pitch in the RHS context of the wider ‘3G’ pitch strategy for H&W Haileybury Proposed provision Review the role of EHC Herts FA - High College of three ‘3G’ the pitches in the HC pitches context of the wider ‘3G’ pitch strategy for H&W Ware North 1,000 - 1,500 new Meet needs by EHC Wodson TBC High development homes to be built securing developer Trust north of Ware. contributions to Developers develop Hub Site at Wodson Park

Figure 127: Football site-specific actions in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Much Hadham Pitch quality in the Maintain current Much - - Low Recreation mid-range of provision Hadham Ground ‘standard’, but Parish changing is ‘good’. Council St. George’s Pitch quality in the Review grounds High Wych IOG £20,000 for Medium Playing Field low end of maintenance Parish pitch ‘standard’, but regime with Council changing is very GaNTIP. ‘poor’. Sawbridgeworth Pitch and changing  Review grounds STFC Herts County £50,000 for High Town FC both ‘high’ quality. maintenance Council pitches regime with IOG £200,000 for GaNTIP. Football changing  Provide new Foundation changing facilities. Widford Playing Pitch quality high Maintain current Angels - - Low Field end of ‘standard’. provision Saviours FC No changing. Leventhorpe No community  Investigate EHC Herts FA - Medium Academy use of existing potential to Leventhorpe pitches. Land to secure Academy the north community use allocated for  Include site in pitches in the the BS Hub Site Local Plan. feasibility study

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Gilston Garden 3,050 new homes Meet needs by EHC Harlow DC TBC High Town to be built in securing Developers Gilston by 2033 developer contributions to:  Develop Hub Site in Gilston, co-ordinating needs with Hub Site feasibility studies in Harlow.  Provide community accessible pitches at the secondary school.

Figure 128: Football site-specific actions in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Crouchfields Pitch quality at the Make improved Wodson Wodson TBC High high end of provision via a new Park FC Park Trust standard, but hub site at nearby Herts FA changing very Wodson Park. Football poor. Foundation Watton-at- Pitch quality at the Secure use via a EHC Watton-at- - Low Stone Primary mid-range of Community Use Stone PS School ‘standard’. Agreement Watton-at-Stone Pitch and changing Maintain current Watton-at- - Low Recn Ground are both ‘standard’ provision Stone PC quality. East of Welwyn 1,350 new homes Meet needs by EHC Welwyn TBC High Garden City to be built east of securing developer Hatfield DC development Welwyn Garden contributions to: Developers City.  Make on site provision of ‘3G’ and grass pitches  Enhance pitch provision in Welwyn Garden City in line with the findings of the emerging Welwyn Hatfield PPS

SECTION 3: CRICKET PITCH NEEDS IN EAST HERTS

The key local stakeholders

3.1 East Herts Council: The council does not directly provide any cricket pitches in the district, but it has leased two sites which it owns to local clubs.

3.2 Hertfordshire Cricket: Hertfordshire Cricket administers the sport in the county.

3.3 Affiliated clubs: 26 cricket clubs, collectively comprising 100 teams, draw their playing membership from East Herts and are affiliated to Hertfordshire Cricket.

3.4 Schools cricket: Cricket is played at all the private schools and most of the secondary and middle schools in the district, with cricket pitches or artificial wickets available on nine school sites.

Strategic context

National Cricket Strategy

3.5 The England and Wales Cricket Board’s strategy for 2016 -2020 ‘Cricket Unleashed’ (2016) contains the following priorities of relevance to East Herts:

 Clubs and leagues: The following will be prioritised:

- Promoting player-driven formats of the game in our leagues and clubs. - Providing more opportunities to play across the whole league structure. - Delivering a new club affiliation core offer. - Delivering new training opportunities for coaches, officials and grounds staff. - Delivering a volunteer offer to drive recruitment, retention and recognition.

 Kids: The following will be prioritised:

- Developing an ability-based pathway for children aged 5-12 for adoption in clubs, schools and youth organisations. - In partnership with Chance to Shine, expanding the reach of the game into all schools across the country through a combination of bat and ball opportunities, a national teacher ambassador program and curriculum- aligned classroom resources. - Creating a seamless transition across the age groups and different formats to reduce the current drop out at key ages. - Promoting shorter pitch lengths for younger age groups.

 Communities: The following will be prioritised:

- Implementing inclusion and engagement strategies to deliver welcoming environments and opportunities for players of diverse backgrounds. - Prioritising additional investment in coaches for women’s, girl’s, multicultural groups and disability cricket. - Increasing the opportunities for people with a disability to take part and play cricket at all levels. - Maximising the impact of hosting ICC global events to inspire a more diverse participation base to play cricket. - Delivering and investing in cricket programmes that are designed to bring communities together and improve physical and mental wellbeing.

 Casual: The following will be prioritised:

- Delivering simple and enjoyable casual cricket offers. - Developing a 5 or 6-a-side version of cricket, played on artificial wickets to engage players at all ages and levels. - Supporting innovation such as Last Man Stands, Indoor, Tape-ball and Beach Cricket. - Creating a year-round participation programme using artificial wickets, indoor centres and other indoor spaces to allow all-year round play. - Driving availability of bats and balls for unstructured play.

County Cricket Strategy

3.6 Responsibility for delivering the national strategy in East Herts lies with Hertfordshire Cricket. The organisation's guiding strategy is ‘Bringing Cricket to Life’ (2013). Its priorities include creating a sustainable future for recreational cricket and one of its overarching strategic outcomes is to improve health and well-being. The facilities service outcomes are:

 Club facilities that are fit for purpose.

 Increased investment into facilities.

 Facilities that are used collectively by the club and the community.

Pitch strategies in neighbouring areas

3.7 Consultation with neighbouring local authorities identified the following key issues in relation to East Herts:

 Harlow: Harlow is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Sawbridgeworth sub-area. Accessibility towards Hertford is good via the A414 but links to Sawbridgeworth via the A1184 are slower. Harlow District Council is currently reviewing its playing pitch strategy but the emerging findings of relevance to cricket in East Herts suggest that current supply and demand are broadly in balance, with no exported demand to East Herts.

 Uttlesford: Uttlesford is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is good via the M11 and A120. The ‘Uttlesford Sports Facilities Development Strategy’ (2016) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is collective spare capacity equivalent to 50 standard quality wickets (6 pitches). There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa. An assessment of future needs indicates that demand generated by population growth in Uttlesford by 2031 will require 67.5 standard quality wickets (8 pitches) to accommodate it. This will leave a shortfall equivalent to two standard quality pitches, once existing spare capacity has been absorbed.

 Epping Forest: Epping Forest district is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. The ‘Epping Forest Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment’ (2012) is currently being updated by the council but pending the emergence of detailed findings, dialogue with the council and the Essex Cricket Board has identified that current provision is adequate to meet existing needs and there is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 Broxbourne: Broxbourne is located to the south of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Ware sub-area. Accessibility is generally very good via the A10 corridor. The ‘Broxbourne Leisure Facilities Strategy: Outdoor Facilities’ (2013) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is a current shortfall of two pitches in the borough. There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 Welwyn Hatfield: Welwyn Hatfield is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Watton-at-Stone sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A414 provides connections to Hertford. The ‘Welwyn Hatfield Sports Facilities Strategy: A Vision to 2026’ (2010) is considered by Sport England to be out of date, but dialogue with the council and Herts Cricket has identified that there are no current shortfalls in the district and no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts or vice versa.

 North Hertfordshire: North Hertfordshire is located to the north and north-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A507 provides connections to Baldock and the A10 to Royston. The ‘North Hertfordshire Playing Pitch Strategy’ (2015) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is current spare capacity in the district equivalent to seven pitches and that this will be sufficient to accommodate all future demand in addition. There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 Stevenage: Stevenage is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, although the A602 provides connections to Watton-at-Stone. The ‘Stevenage Sports Facilities Assessment and Strategy’ (2014) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is current spare capacity in the borough which will be sufficient to accommodate all future demand to 2031 in addition. There is some evidence of exported demand to East Herts, with Knebworth Park Cricket Club’s 5th and 6th teams playing ‘home’ fixtures at Aston Cricket Ground.

The implications for East Herts

3.8 The implications of the strategic context for cricket in East Herts are as follows:

 Policy shifts: The move in national policy towards prioritising new participants will create a challenge for cricket to demonstrate that it can attract new and lapsed participants. Recent innovations such as Last Man Stands, indoor cricket and Tape-ball cricket might prove more attractive to new participants.  Neighbouring areas: There is limited imported demand from Stevenage, but otherwise there is no evidence of cross-border supply-demand movements.

Cricket pitch demand

Introduction

3.9 This section summarises the demand for cricket in East Herts and covers:

 Expressed demand.

 Displaced demand.

 Unmet demand.

 Latent demand.

 Demand trends.

 The views of stakeholders on cricket demand.

Expressed demand

3.10 Expressed demand: The following cricket clubs and teams are affiliated to Hertfordshire Cricket, Essex Cricket or Cambridgeshire Cricket and are based in East Herts:

Figure 129: Cricket clubs and teams in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Club Match venue Adult male Adult female Junior male Junior female teams teams teams teams Albury Cricket Club Albury Sports 1 - - - Ground Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford 4 1 9 - Cricket Club Sports Trust Braughing Cricket Club Braughing Playing 1 - 2 - Fields Hockerill Cricket Club Hockerill Cricket 5 - 3 - Club Little Hadham Cricket Little Hadham 1 - - - Club Cricket Club Thorley Cricket Club Thorley Cricket Club 2 - 2 - TOTALS - 14 1 16 0

Figure 130: Cricket clubs and teams in Buntingford and surrounds

Club Match venue Adult male Adult female Junior male Junior female teams teams teams teams Ardley Walkern Cricket Walkern Jubilee 1 - - - Club Pavilion Aspenden, Standon and Aspenden Playing 1 - - - Puckeridge Cricket Club Field Buntingford Cricket Club Norfolk Road 4 - 6 - Playing Fields Datchworth Cricket Club Datchworth Sports 6 - 7 - Club Hare Street and Hormead The Meads 1 - - - Cricket Club Little Munden Cricket Little Munden 1 - - - Club Cricket Club Thundridge Cricket Club Thundridge Sports 1 - - - Ground TOTALS - 15 0 13 0

100

Figure 131: Cricket clubs and teams in Hertford and Ware

Club Match venue Adult male Adult female Junior male Junior female teams teams teams teams Allenbury’s and County Allenbury’s Sports & 2 - - - Hall Cricket Club Social Club Bengeo Cricket Club Bengeo Sports Field 1 - - - Hertford Cricket Club Balls Park 7 - 10 - Hertingfordbury Cricket Hertingfordbury 2 - - - Club Recreation Ground St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury 2 - 5 - Cricket Club Sports & Soc. Club TOTALS - 14 0 15 0

Figure 132: Cricket clubs and teams in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Club Match venue Adult male Adult female Junior male Junior female teams teams teams teams Sawbridgeworth Cricket Town Fields 4 - 5 - Club Leventhorpe Academy Ware Cricket Club Widford Playing 2 - 2 - Field TOTALS - 6 0 7 0

Figure 133: Cricket clubs and teams in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Club Match venue Adult male Adult female Junior male Junior female teams teams teams teams Bayford and Hertford Bayford and 2 - - - Cricket Club Hertford CC Bramfield Cricket Club Bramfield Playing 1 - - - Field Little Berkhampsted Lt. Berkhampsted 1 - - - Cricket Club Recreation Ground Tewin Cricket Club Tewin Recreation 2 - - - Ground Watton-at-Stone Cricket Watton-at-Stone 1 - - - Club Recreation Ground TOTALS - 7 0 0 0

101

Displaced demand

3.11 Displaced demand relates to play by teams or other users of playing pitches from within the study area which takes place outside of the area. All cricket clubs and teams based in East Herts are currently able to accommodate their needs using facilities within the district. There is some limited imported demand, with Knebworth Park Cricket Club’s 5th and 6th teams playing ‘home’ fixtures at Aston Cricket Ground.

Unmet demand

3.12 Unmet demand takes a number of forms:

 Teams may have access to a pitch for their matches but nowhere to train.

 Pitches of a particular size or type may be unavailable to the community.

 The poor quality and consequent limited capacity of pitches in the area and/or a lack of provision and ancillary facilities which meet a certain standard of play/league requirement.

3.13 Consultation with clubs in East Herts revealed that all respondents identified a shortage of pitches as an impediment to growth. Clubs identified unmet demand is equivalent to two extra adult male teams, one adult female team, one junior male and two junior girl’s teams.

Latent demand

3.14 Whereas unmet demand is known to currently exist latent demand is demand that evidence suggests may be generated from the current population should they have access to more or better provision. There is some evidence of latent demand in East Herts at present, with Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club planning an additional junior pitch to meet latent demand in the town equivalent to three junior male and one junior girl’s teams.

Demand trends

3.15 Local and national demand trends in East Herts indicate the following:

 Active People Survey: Based upon the national results of Sport England’s ‘Active People’ survey, adult (16+) participation in cricket has fallen over the period since 2005 as follows:

Figure 134: National cricket participation rates

2005/6 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/1 2011/2 2012/3 2013/4 2014/5 2015/6 % Change 0.48% 0.49% 0.49% 0.41% 0.51% 0.43% 0.34% 0.37% 0.32% 0.42% -0.06%

102

 National Cricket Playing Survey: The ECB’s most recent ‘National Cricket Playing Survey’ (2015) identified a 7% decrease in player numbers between 2013 and 2014. Of the 850,000 players nationally, 250,000 are ‘core’ players (playing at least 12 times per season), 400,000 are ‘occasional’ players (playing between three and 11 times per season) and 200,000 are ‘cameo’ players (playing once or twice per season). 5% of all organised fixtures were cancelled in 2014 because at least one of the teams was unable to field eleven players.

 Local membership trends: The survey of East Herts clubs shows a small decrease in the number of teams over the past three years. One local club - Furneux Pelham Cricket Club has become inactive in the same period.

 Future trends: East Herts clubs expect collectively to increase their membership over the next three years, by an estimated ten teams.

The views of stakeholders

3.16 Hertfordshire Cricket: Consultation with Hertfordshire Cricket’s Head of Development and Operations, identified that the district has a good geographical spread of clubs that reflects population distribution, particularly in the A10 corridor.

3.17 Local clubs: A questionnaire survey circulated by Hertfordshire Cricket to all clubs in the district that are affiliated to the ECB, produced responses from four clubs, collectively representing 38 of the 100 teams in East Hertfordshire (a 38.0% response rate). This was followed up with dialogue with the key clubs, to explore additional issues. The following clubs responded:

 Bayford and Hertford Nondescripts Cricket Club  Bishops Stortford Cricket Club  Hertford Cricket Club  Ware Cricket Club  Watton-at-Stone Cricket Club

3.18 Key issues: Clubs identified the following key issues in relation to demand:

 Membership trends: There has been a general trend towards declining membership in most local clubs.

 Future trends: Three clubs expect to increase their membership over the next three years, collectively projecting two extra adult male teams, one adult female team, four junior male and three junior girl’s teams.

 Area of origin of players: Clubs identified that collectively just over 90% of their players originate from within East Herts.

103

The implications for cricket in East Herts

3.19 Analysis of local demand for cricket in East Herts indicates the following:

 100 affiliated teams play cricket in East Herts and all local match demand can be accommodated within the district. Only 9% of players in East Herts teams live outside the district.

 Demand for cricket in East Herts has decreased slightly in the past three years, which is consistent with national trends. One local club, Furneux Pelham Cricket Club, became inactive in the same period.

 Unmet demand due to lack of pitches is equivalent to a total of two extra adult male teams, one adult female team, one junior male and two junior girl’s teams.

 Latent demand based upon information supplied by local clubs is equivalent to three junior male teams and one junior female team.

3.20 The table below summarises the above figures for the purposes of calculating team equivalents in East Herts:

Figure 135: Effective cricket team numbers in East Herts

Age group Expressed Unmet Latent Total demand demand demand demand Adult male cricket 56 2 0 58 Adult female cricket 2 1 0 3 Junior male cricket 51 2 3 56 Junior female cricket 0 1 1 2

Cricket pitch supply

Introduction

3.21 This section summarises the supply of cricket pitches in East Herts and covers:

 Pitch quantity.

 Pitch quality.

 Pitch maintenance.

 Ownership, management and security of access.

 The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply.

104

Cricket pitches

3.22 The cricket pitches with community use and used are as follows.

Figure 136: Cricket pitches with community use and used in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Albury Sports Field The Bourne, Albury SG11 2JR 1 4 0 Bishops Stortford Sports Trust  Cricketfield Lane, Bishop’s Stortford 2 24 1 CM23 2SR Braughing Playing Fields Green Lane, Braughing SG11 2QN 1 8 0 Hockerill Cricket Club Beldam’s Lane, Bishop’s Stortford 2 13 0 CM23 5LG Little Hadham Cricket Club Millfield Lane, Bury Green SG11 2ED 1 8 0 Thorley Cricket Club Thorley Lane East, Bishop’s Stortford 1 10 0 CM23 4BH TOTALS - 8 67 1

Figure 137: Cricket pitches with community use and used in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Aspenden, Standon & Puckeridge CC Aspenden Road, Buntingford SG9 9PB 1 10 0 Aston Cricket Ground Aston Lane, Aston SG2 7EJ 1 6 0 Datchworth Sports Club Datchworth Green, Knebworth SG3 6TL 2 16 0 Freman College Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford SG9 1 5 0 9BT Little Munden Cricket Club Green End, Little Munden SG12 0NY 1 6 0 Norfolk Road Playing Fields Norfolk Road, Buntingford SG9 9AN 1 8 0 The Meads B1368, Hare Street SG9 0DY 1 5 0 Thundridge Sports Ground Cambridge Road, Thundridge SG12 0SU 1 8 0 Walkern Jubilee Pavilion High Street, Walkern SG2 7NP 1 8 0 TOTALS - 10 72 0

Figure 138: Cricket pitches with community use and used in Hertford and Ware

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Allenbury Sports and Social Club  Harris's Lane, Ware SG12 0DJ 1 10 0 Bengeo Sports Field New Road, Hertford SG14 3JL 1 6 0 Hertford Cricket Club Mangrove Road, Hertford SG13 8AJ 2 21 1 Hertingfordbury Recreation Ground St. Mary’s Lane, Hertford SG14 2LD 1 10 0 St. Margaretsbury Sports & Social Lakes Court, Stansted Abbots SG12 2 23 1 Club 8EH TOTALS - 7 70 2

105

Figure 139: Cricket pitches with community use and used in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Leventhorpe Academy Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9BY 1 8 1 Town Fields Bell Street, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9AN 1 12 0 Ware Cricket Club Ware Road, Widford SG12 8RF 1 12 0 TOTALS - 3 32 1

Figure 140: Cricket pitches with community use and used in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Bayford & Hertford Nondescripts CC Bayford Green, Hertford SG13 8PU 1 10 0 Bramfield Playing Field  Bury Lane, Bramfield SG14 2QL 1 8 0 Little Berkhampsted Recreation Church Road, Little Berkhampsted 1 8 0 Ground SG13 8LY Tewin Recreation Ground Upper Green Road, Tewin AL6 0LE 1 10 0 Watton-at-Stone Recreation Ground School Lane, Watton-at-Stone SG14 1 8 0 3SB TOTALS - 5 44 0

3.23 The cricket pitches with community use but unused are as follows.

 Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds: None.

Figure 141: Cricket pitches with community use but unused in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Cottered Playing Field Baldock Road, Cottered SG9 9QW 1 6 0 TOTALS - 1 6 0

Figure 142: Cricket pitches with community use but unused in Hertford and Ware

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets County Hall Sports Ground Leahoe, Hertford SG13 8EH 0 0 1 Presdales Recreation Ground Walnut Tree Walk, Ware SG12 9PB 0 0 1 TOTALS - 0 0 2

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds: None.

 Watton-at-Stone and surrounds: None.

106

3.24 The cricket pitches with no community use are as follows.

Figure 143: Cricket pitches with no community use in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Bishop’s Stortford  Maze Green Rd., Bishop's Stortford 7 28 0 College CM23 2PJ Bishop’s Stortford High Jobbers Wood Sports Ground, 2 16 2 School Great Hadham Rd., Bishop’s Stortford SG10 6FB TOTALS - 9 44 3

Figure 144: Cricket pitches with no community use in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Edwinstree Middle Norfolk Rd, Buntingford SG9 9AW 0 0 1 School Ralph Sadleir School Station Road, Puckeridge SG11 1TF 0 0 1 TOTALS - 0 0 2

Figure 145: Cricket pitches with no community use in Hertford and Ware

Site Address Grass Grass Artificial Squares wickets wickets Chauncy School Park Road, Ware SG12 0DP 0 0 1 Haileybury College Hertford SG13 7NU 3 32 0 Richard Hale School Hale Road, Hertford SG13 8EN 1 6 0 St. Edmund’s College Old Hall Green, Ware SG11 1DS 2 18 1 The Sele School Welwyn Road, Hertford SG14 2DG 1 6 0 TOTALS - 7 62 2

 Sawbridgeworth and surrounds: None.

 Watton-at-Stone and surrounds: None.

Pitch quality

3.25 The qualitative analysis of pitches in East Herts involved visits to all cricket pitches, to undertake the sport-specific non-technical visual inspections produced by the ECB for Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ (2013). The assessment generated ‘scores’ for each site by evaluating the condition of: 3.26  Grass wickets: This includes presence of line markings, evidence of rolling, grass cut and height, repaired wickets, grass coverage and ball bounce.

107

 Outfield: This includes grass coverage, length of grass, evenness and evidence of unofficial use or damage to the surface.

 Non-turf wickets: This includes integration with the surrounding grass, evenness, stump holes any evidence of moss, tears or surface lifting and ball bounce.

 Changing facilities: This includes the presence or absence of umpires provision, toilets, hot/cold water, heating and an assessment of the condition of the building.

 Non-turf practice nets: This includes integration with the surrounding grass, surface quality, ball bounce, safety and integrity of the steel frame and nets and safety signage.

3.27 The assessment generates a ‘score’ for each site by evaluating the condition of the wickets, outfield, ancillary facilities and practice nets. The percentage scores generated equate to ratings of ‘Good’ for scores of 81% or more (shown in green below), ‘Standard’ for scores of 80% - 51% (shown in yellow) and ‘Poor’ for scores of 50% or below (shown in red). Blank cells in the table mean that the feature concerned is absent from the site in question. The scores for each cricket pitch site in East Herts are as follows:

Figure 146: Cricket pitch quality in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Wicket Non-turf Outfield Changing Practice nets Comments Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Albury Sports 83% Good - - 80% Standard 40% Poor - - Outfield is very uneven Field Pavilion in poor state of repair Bishops Stortford 100% Good 100% Good 100% Good 100% Good 100% Good A high quality, well- Sports Trust maintained facility in all respects. Braughing 83% Good - - 93% Good 80% Standard - - Outfield shared with Playing Fields football pitch. Hockerill Cricket 100% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good - - A high quality, well- Club maintained facility. Little Hadham 100% Good - - 100% Good 92% Good - - A high quality, well- Cricket Club maintained facility. Thorley Cricket 100% Good - - 100% Good 40% Poor - - Pavilion is very poor Club quality.

108

Figure 147: Cricket pitch quality in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Wicket Non-turf Outfield Changing Practice nets Comments Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Aspenden, 100% Good - - 100% Good 80% Standard 75% Standard Changing facilities are Standon & ageing and practice nets Puckeridge CC show signs of wear. Aston Cricket 83% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good - - A high quality, well- Ground maintained facility. Datchworth 100% Good - - 93% Good 100% Good 100% Good A high quality, well- Sports Club maintained facility. Freman College 83% Good - - 80% Standard 80% Standard - - Outfield shared with football pitch. Little Munden 100% Good - - 100% Good 92% Good - - A high quality, well- Cricket Club maintained facility. Norfolk Road 100% Good - - 63% Standard 100% Good 75% Standard Outfield shared with Playing Fields football pitch. Pavilion subject to vandalism. The Meads 100% Good - - 93% Good 72% Standard - - Outfield shared with football pitches. Thundridge 100% Good - - 87% Good 92% Good - - A high quality, well- Sports Ground maintained facility. Walkern Jubilee 83% Good - - 87% Good 100% Good - - Outfield shared with Pavilion football pitches.

Figure 148: Cricket pitch quality in Hertford and Ware

Site Wicket Non-turf Outfield Changing Practice nets Comments Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Allenbury Sports 100% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good 100% Good A high quality, well- and Social Club maintained facility. Bengeo Sports 87% Good - - 80% Standard 80% Standard - - Outfield shared with Field football. Pavilion shows some vandalism. Hertford Cricket 100% Good 71% Standard 100% Good 100% Good 100% Good Artificial turf wicket Club shows signs of vandalism. Hertingfordbury 100% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good 83% Good A high quality, well- Recreation maintained facility. Ground St. 100% Good 43% Poor 100% Good 100% Good 75% Standard Artificial turf wicket Margaretsbury needs replacing. Sports & Social Outfield shared with Club football pitch.

109

Figure 149: Cricket pitch quality in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Wicket Non-turf Outfield Changing Practice nets Comments Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Leventhorpe 83% Good - - 80% Standard 80% Standard - - Outfield shared with Academy football pitch. Town Fields, 100% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good 83% Good A high quality, well- Sawbridgeworth maintained facility. Ware Cricket 100% Good - - 93% Good 92% Good - - ‘Uneven outfield with a Club few lumps and bumps. The wicket has variable bounce’ - Ware CC

Figure 150: Cricket pitch quality in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Wicket Non-turf Outfield Changing Practice nets Comments Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Score Rating Bayford & 100% Good - - 100% Good 100% Good 75% Standard A high quality, well- Hertford maintained facility. Nondescripts CC Bramfield Playing 83% Good - - 93% Good 80% Standard - - Changing facilities are Field ageing. Little 100% Good - - 80% Standard 60% Standard 42% Poor Pavilion shows signs of Berkhampsted wear. Very poor quality Recreation practice nets are barely Ground usable. Tewin 83% Good - - 80% Standard 100% Good - - Some damage to the Recreation outfield. Ground Watton-at-Stone 83% Good - - 80% Standard 80% Standard - - Outfield shared with Recreation football pitch. Ground

Pitch maintenance

3.28 Cricket pitch maintenance in East Herts is organised as follows:

 Cricket clubs - The pitches owned or managed by cricket clubs are generally maintained by the clubs’ own groundstaff, usually with substantial support from volunteers.

 Council-owned pitches - Town and parish councils make individual arrangements with commercial grounds maintenance contractors.

 School pitches - Schools make individual arrangements for cricket pitch maintenance, although the County Council has a contract with Serco that is utilised by some schools.

110

Ownership management and security of access

3.29 The ownership, management and security of access to all cricket pitches in East Herts is set out below by sub-area.

Figure 151: Cricket pitch ownership, management and security of access in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Albury Recreation Albury Parish Council Albury Parish Council Secured Ground Bishops Stortford Sports East Herts District Bishop’s Stortford Secured Trust Council Cricket Club Braughing Playing Fields Braughing Parish Braughing Parish Council Secured Council Hockerill Cricket Club Hockerill Cricket Club Hockerill Cricket Club Secured Little Hadham Cricket Little Hadham Parish Little Hadham Cricket Secured Club Council Club Thorley Cricket Club East Herts District Thorley Cricket Club Secured Council

Figure 152: Cricket pitch ownership, management and security of access in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Aspenden, Standon & Aspenden Parish Aspenden, Standon & Secured Puckeridge CC Council Puckeridge CC Aston Cricket Ground Aston Parish Council Aston Parish Council Secured Datchworth Sports Club Datchworth Parish Datchworth Sports Club Secured Council Freman College Freman College Freman College Unsecured Little Munden Cricket Little Munden Parish Little Munden Cricket Secured Club Council Club Norfolk Road Playing Buntingford Town Buntingford Town Secured Fields Council Council The Meads Hormead Parish Hormead Parish Council Secured (Fields in Council Trust) Thundridge Sports Thundridge Parish Thundridge Parish Secured Ground Council Council Walkern Jubilee Pavilion Walkern Parish Council Walkern Sports and Secured Community Centre

111

Figure 153: Cricket pitch ownership, management and security of access in Hertford and Ware

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Allenbury Sports and Glaxo Smith Kline Allenbury Sports and Secured Social Club Social Club Bengeo Sports Field Bengeo Parish Council Bengeo Parish Council Secured Hertford Cricket Club Hertford Cricket Club/ Hertford Cricket Club Secured Herts County Council Hertingfordbury Hertingfordbury Hertingfordbury Cricket Secured Recreation Ground Recreation Ground Club Trustees St. Margaretsbury Sports St. Margaretsbury St. Margaretsbury Sports Secured & Social Club Sports & Social Club & Social Club

Figure 154: Cricket pitch ownership, management and security of access in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Leventhorpe Academy Leventhorpe Academy Leventhorpe Academy Unsecured Town Fields Sawbridgeworth Sawbridgeworth Cricket Secured Cricket Club Club Ware Cricket Club Private owner Ware Cricket Club Secured

Figure 155: Cricket pitch ownership, management and security of access in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Bayford & Hertford Bayford & Hertford Bayford & Hertford Secured Nondescripts CC Nondescripts CC Nondescripts CC Bramfield Playing Field Bramfield Parish Bramfield Parish Council Secured Council Little Berkhampsted Little Berkhampsted Little Berkhampsted Secured Recreation Ground Parish Council Recreation Committee Tewin Recreation Tewin Parish Council Tewin Parish Council Secured Ground Watton-at-Stone Watton-at-Stone Watton-at-Stone Parish Secured Recreation Ground Parish Council Council

The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply

3.30 Hertfordshire Cricket: Consultation with Hertfordshire Cricket’s Head of Development and Operations, identified the following key issues in relation cricket supply in East Herts:

112

 Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club: The development of a new junior ground and pavilion improvement proposals at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site are one of the facilities priorities in East Herts. There are however complexities around this project due to Section 106 funding and also the progress of phases one and two of this multi sports project.

 Hertford Cricket Club: The club recently extended its pavilion and their four- lane non-turf practice nets with support from Hertfordshire Cricket and the ECB.

 Datchworth Cricket Club: The club installed a brand new three-lane non-turf practice net facility with support from Hertfordshire Cricket and the ECB.

 Buntingford Cricket Club: The club is planning to make a small development to its existing club house to prevent some persistent anti-social behaviour and vandalism from local youths. The development will not extend the existing footprint, but it will take away the current accessible open porch area along the front of the club house, moving the external wall out to the edge of the porch and in turn, eventually extending the changing rooms and toilets.

 St. Margaretsbury Cricket Club: The club has a project plan to re-furbish both existing Non-Turf Practice Facilities (two-lane net facility) and non-turf match strip which have been identified as poor and satisfactory. This is a priority for club in terms of facility development over the next 12-15 months.

 Thorley Cricket Club: The club has started discussions to develop a new club house to replace the current structure that is rated poor. This is a priority of the club in terms of facility development.

3.31 Affiliated clubs: The clubs’ consultation identified the following key issues in relation to pitch supply East Herts:

 All clubs are playing at their preferred locations.

 Several facilities are in exposed locations and as a result have suffered from vandalism and thefts, including grounds maintenance equipment.

Geographical distribution

 The geographical spread of cricket pitches in East Herts is good, with the whole population is within 15-minutes drive of the closest pitch and a good distribution of provision between the five sub-areas.

113

Figure 156: Geographical coverage of Cricket pitches in East Herts

The implications for cricket in East Herts

3.32 Analysis of local supply of cricket pitches in East Herts indicates the following:

114

 There are 33 cricket squares with community use and used, collectively comprising 285 grass and four artificial turf wickets.

 There are a further three sites that are currently disused, collectively comprising one square, six grass and two artificial turf wickets. 16 squares on school sites, collectively comprising 86 grass and six artificial turf wickets have no community use.

 The quality of all grass wickets in the district is rated as good, but the artificial turf wicket at St. Margaretsbury Sports and Social Club is poor quality, as are the nets at Little Berkhampsted Recreation Ground and the changing facilities at Albury Sports Field and Thorley Cricket Club.

 There is security of access to all but two of the sites with community use and used.

Assessment of current needs

3.33 To assess whether the current supply of pitches is adequate to meet existing demand an understanding of the situation at all sites available to the community needs to be developed. This is achieved by providing a brief overview for each site, which comprises:

 A comparison between the carrying capacity of a site with how much demand currently takes place there. The carrying capacity of a site is defined as the amount of play it can regularly accommodate without adversely affecting its quality and use. Demand is defined in terms of the number of ‘match equivalent’ sessions at each site.

 An indication of the extent to which pitches are being used during the cricket season.

3.34 The site overviews identify the extent to which pitches are

 Being overplayed: Where use exceeds the carrying capacity (highlighted in red in the tables below).

 Being played to the level the site can sustain: Where use matches the carrying capacity (highlighted in yellow in the tables below).

 Potentially able to accommodate some additional play: Where use falls below the carrying capacity (highlighted in green in the tables below).

3.35 In line with ECB guidance, the following assumptions have been made in relation to the number of match equivalents that can be accommodated by different quality pitches:

115

 Overall capacity is expressed as match equivalents per season, as opposed to per week for all other pitch types.

 The number of wickets at each site is shown below. Artificial turf wickets are listed in brackets.

 In line with the guidance it has been assumed that a ‘good’ quality wicket will accommodate five matches per season, a ‘standard’ quality wicket will accommodate four and a ‘poor’ quality wicket will accommodate three matches per season.

 Adult teams account for an average of 0.5 ‘home’ games per week and junior teams for 0.35 ‘home’ games per week.

 Artificial turf wickets will accommodate 35 matches per season.

3.36 Provision by sub-area is as follows:

Figure 157: Supply-demand balance of cricket pitches in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Albury Sports 4 Albury Cricket Club 20 10 +10 1 0.5 +0.5 Field Bishops Stortford 24(1) Bishop’s Stortford CC 155 140 +15 2 2.5 -0.5 Sports Trust Representative matches Braughing Playing 8 Braughing Cricket Club 40 30 +10 1 0.5 +0.5 Fields Hockerill Cricket 13 Hockerill Cricket Club 65 40 +25 2 1.5 +0.5 Club Little Hadham 8 Little Hadham Cricket 40 10 +30 1 0.5 +0.5 Cricket Club Club Thorley Cricket 10 Thorley Cricket Club 50 40 +10 1 1 Balanced Club TOTALS 67 - 370 270 +100 8.0 6.5 +1.5

Figure 158: Supply-demand balance of cricket pitches in Buntingford and surrounds

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Aspenden, 10 Aspenden, Standon & 50 10 +40 1 0.5 +0.5 Standon & Puckeridge CC Puckeridge CC Aston Cricket 6 Knebworth Park Cricket 30 20 +10 1 1 Balanced Ground Club Datchworth 16 Datchworth Cricket Club 80 130 -50 2 2.5 -0.5 Sports Club Freman College 5 Buntingford Cricket Club 30 40 -10 1 1.5 -0.5

116

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Little Munden 6 Little Munden Cricket 30 10 +20 1 0.5 +0.5 Cricket Club Club Norfolk Road 8 Buntingford Cricket Club 40 60 -20 1 2 -1.0 Playing Fields The Meads 5 Hare Street & Hormead 25 10 +15 1 0.5 +0.5 Cricket Club Thundridge 8 East Hertfordshire 40 20 +20 1 1 Balanced Sports Ground Ladies Cricket Club Thundridge Cricket Club Walkern Jubilee 8 Ardley Walkern Cricket 40 10 +30 1 0.5 +0.5 Pavilion Club TOTALS 35 - 365 310 +55 10.0 10.0 Balanced

Figure 159: Supply-demand balance of cricket pitches in Hertford and Ware

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Allenbury Sports 10 Allenbury Sports and 50 20 +30 1 1 Balanced and Social Club Social Club Bengeo Sports 6 Bengeo Cricket Club 30 10 +20 1 0.5 +0.5 Field Hertford Cricket 21(1) Hertford Cricket Club 140 170 -30 2 3 -1.0 Club Representative matches Hertingfordbury 10 Hertingfordbury Cricket 50 20 +30 1 1 Balanced Recreation Club Ground St. Margaretsbury 23(1) St. Margaretsbury 150 70 +80 2 2 Balanced Sports & Social Cricket Club Club TOTALS 50(2) - 420 290 +130 7.0 7.5 -0.5

Figure 160: Supply-demand balance of cricket pitches in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Leventhorpe 8(1) Sawbridgeworth Cricket 75 50 +25 1 1 Balanced Academy Club Town Fields 12 Sawbridgeworth Cricket 60 40 +20 1 1 Balanced Club Ware Cricket Club 12 Ware Cricket Club 60 40 +20 1 1 Balanced TOTALS 32(1) - 195 130 +65 3.0 3.0 Balanced

117

Figure 161: Supply-demand balance of cricket pitches in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Wickets Users Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bayford & Hertford 10 Bayford & Hertford 50 20 +30 1 1 Balanced Nondescripts CC Nondescripts CC Bramfield Playing 8 Bramfield Cricket Club 40 10 +30 1 0.5 +0.5 Field Little 8 Little Berkhampsted 40 10 +30 1 0.5 +0.5 Berkhampsted Cricket Club Recreation Ground Tewin Recreation 10 Tewin Cricket Club 50 20 +30 1 1 Balanced Ground Watton-at-Stone 8 Watton-at-Stone Cricket 40 10 +30 1 0.5 +0.5 Recreation Ground Club TOTALS 44 - 220 70 +150 5.0 3.5 +1.5

3.37 The key findings are:

 There are small peak time deficits at Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club, Freman College, Datchworth Sports Club, Hertford Cricket Club and Norfolk Road Playing Field, but at all other sites, peak time usage is balanced or there is spare capacity. The collective peak time spare capacity amounts to 1.5 match equivalents.

 There is seasonal spare capacity at all sites other than Datchworth Sports Club Freman College, Hertford Cricket Club and Norfolk Road Playing Field. The collective seasonal spare capacity is 500 match equivalents. If sites without secured community use are excluded, the collective seasonal surplus reduces to 395 match equivalents.

 There is significant seasonal spare capacity in all sub-areas.

 Peak usage capacity on Saturdays is much more limited, with a small deficit in Hertford and Ware and peak supply and demand balanced in Buntingford and Sawbridgeworth.

Assessment of future needs

Population growth

3.38 Population growth to the end 2033 has been projected based upon housing supply targets. The population figures are as follows:

Figure 162: Population projections in East Herts to 2033

Population 2021 Population 2026 Population 2033 152,525 158,730 179,558

118

Location of growth

3.39 Housing targets and related population growth in each sub-area are projected as follows, based upon an average of 2.32 residents per dwelling:

Figure 163: Housing targets and population projections in East Herts to 2033

Potential changes in demand

3.40 In addition to the growth in population, potential increases in participation need to be factored in. estimates the demand which might arise from the new developments. Two alternative scenarios have therefore been considered, a 0% increase in participation and 0.5% increase in participation.

Potential changes in supply

3.41 The following cricket facility projects in East Herts are currently being proposed:

 Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club has planning consent for an additional junior pitch on land north of its current site, but has no funds to develop it at present.

 Herts and Essex High School in Bishop’s Stortford is expected to provide a new playing field at Beldam’s Lane, adjacent to Hockerill Cricket Club. This may include an artificial turf wicket that would be available to the cricket club.

 Knebworth Park Cricket Club (which currently uses Aston Cricket Ground for home matches for two of its teams) has planning consent for a new cricket pitch in Old Knebworth (in Stevenage), which is likely to free up additional capacity at Aston Cricket Ground.

 Outline planning consent has been granted for grass pitches with provision for community use at a new secondary school at the Bishop’s Stortford North development, which may include cricket provision.

 New secondary schools with dual use playing fields that may include cricket provision are proposed in the Local Plan to the north of Ware, the east of Welwyn Garden City and in the south of Bishop’s Stortford.

3.42 There are no known threats to existing cricket pitch sites in the district.

119

Existing spare capacity

3.43 Whilst there is substantial seasonal collective spare capacity for cricket pitches in East Herts, spare capacity at peak times is as follows:

Figure 164: Current cricket pitch needs in East Herts

Sub-area Seasonal Seasonal Seasonal Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 370 270 +100 8.0 6.5 +1.5 Buntingford 365 310 +55 10.0 10.0 Balanced Hertford and Ware 420 290 +130 7.0 7.5 -1.5 Sawbridgeworth 195 130 +65 3.0 3.0 Balanced Watton-at-Stone 220 70 +150 5.0 3.5 +1.5 East Herts 1,570 1,070 +500 33.0 30.5 +1.5

Future cricket pitch needs

3.44 Future cricket pitch needs based on projected population increases are modelled below using ‘Team Generation Rates’ (TGRs), which identify how many people in a specified age group in the district are required to generate one team (including teams representing latent and unmet demand - see section 3.21). These are then applied to projected changes in population to identify the likely number of teams in the future. The population projections are based on the demographic profile typical of new housing developments, with a higher proportion of people in younger age groups.

3.45 The application of TGRs to projected population in each of the sub-areas in East Herts in 2033 produces the following results. The population figures include the residents of new housing in East Herts elements of the Sustainable Urban Extensions detailed in Part I of the study:

Figure 165: Additional cricket teams in Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds by 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male cricket 14 10,841 1: 774 14,061 18 4 Adult female cricket 1 11,060 1: 11,060 14,345 1 0 Junior male cricket 16 1,522 1: 95 1,974 21 5 Junior female cricket 2 1,492 1: 746 1,935 3 1

120

Figure 166: Additional cricket teams in Buntingford and surrounds by 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male cricket 15 5,307 1: 354 6,323 18 3 Adult female cricket 1 5,414 1: 5,414 6,451 1 0 Junior male cricket 13 745 1: 57 888 16 3 Junior female cricket 0 730 - 870 0 0

Figure 167: Additional cricket teams in Hertford and Ware by 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male cricket 15 16,148 1: 1,077 17,321 16 1 Adult female cricket 1 16,475 1: 16,475 17,671 1 0 Junior male cricket 17 2,268 1: 133 2,433 18 1 Junior female cricket 0 2,222 - 2,383 0 0

Figure 168: Additional cricket teams in Sawbridgeworth and surrounds by 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male cricket 6 3,753 1: 625 5,885 9 3 Adult female cricket 0 3,829 - 6,004 0 0 Junior male cricket 7 527 1: 75 826 11 4 Junior female cricket 0 516 - 809 0 0

Figure 169: Additional cricket teams in Watton-at-Stone and surrounds by 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult male cricket 8 1,857 1: 232 2,665 11 3 Adult female cricket 1 1,895 1: 1,895 2,719 2 1 Junior male cricket 0 261 - 375 0 0 Junior female cricket 0 256 - 367 0 0

3.46 In addition to increased demand based upon population growth, the effects of projected increases in participation of 0.5% per annum are modelled below. When added to population growth, the number of teams are as follows:

Figure 170: Projected increase in cricket teams in East Herts due to participation growth

Age group Bishop’s Buntingford Hertford and Sawbridgeworth Watton-at- Stortford Ware Stone Adult male cricket 21 19 17 10 11 Adult female cricket 1 1 1 0 2 Junior male cricket 23 17 17 11 0 Junior female cricket 3 0 0 0 0

121

3.47 The impact of the combined effects of increased population and increased demand for pitches in each sub-area in East Herts is projected as follows.

 Additional demand is based upon 10 home matches per season per team.

 Additional supply needs are calculated based on the capacity of ‘good’ quality grass wickets to accommodate 5 matches per season, hence each additional team will generate additional demand equivalent to two grass wickets.

 Pitch requirements have been calculated on the basis of 8 wickets per pitch.

Figure 171: Projected increase in cricket pitch needs in East Herts

Sub-area Current Total teams with Total teams with population Extra Extra teams population growth but and 0.5% annual wicket pitch no participation growth participation growth needs needs Bishop’s Stortford 33 44 48 28 3.5 Buntingford 29 34 37 16 2 Hertford and Ware 33 35 38 10 1.25 Sawbridgeworth 13 20 21 16 2 Watton-at-Stone 9 13 13 8 1 East Herts 109 146 157 78 9.75

Key findings and issues

What are the main characteristics of current supply and demand?

3.48 The key characteristics of current supply and demand for cricket in East Herts are as follows:

 100 affiliated teams play cricket in East Herts, plus a further nine teams attributable to unmet and latent demand.

 There are 33 cricket squares with community use and used, collectively comprising 285 grass and four artificial turf wickets.

 A further three sites are currently disused, collectively comprising one square, six grass and two artificial turf wickets. 16 squares on school sites, collectively comprising 86 grass and six artificial turf wickets have no community use.

 There is security of access to all but two of the sites with community use and used.

122

 The whole population is within 10-minutes driving time of at least one cricket pitch.

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet current demand?

3.49 The current situation is as follows:

 There are small peak time deficits at Bishop’s Stortford Cricket Club, Freman College, Hertford Cricket Club and Norfolk Road Playing Field, but at all other sites, peak time usage is balanced or there is spare capacity. The collective peak time spare capacity amounts to 2.5 match equivalents.

 There is seasonal spare capacity at all sites other than Freman College, Hertford Cricket Club and Norfolk Road Playing Field. The collective seasonal spare capacity is 500 match equivalents. If sites without secured community use are excluded, the collective seasonal surplus reduces to 395 match equivalents.

Is the accessible provision of suitable quality and appropriately maintained?

3.50 The current situation on pitch quality and maintenance is as follows:

 Quality: The quality of all grass wickets in the district is rated as good, but the artificial turf wicket at St. Margaretsbury Sports and Social Club is poor quality, as are the nets at Little Berkhampsted Recreation Ground and the changing facilities at Albury Sports Field and Thorley Cricket Club.

 Maintenance: There are no specific issues relating to cricket pitch maintenance in East Herts, with all grass wickets Rated as ‘good’ quality.

What are the main characteristics of future supply and demand?

3.51 The main characteristics of future supply and demand are as follows:

Figure 172: Extra cricket teams in East Herts by 2033 based on population increases

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 72 17 Adult females 5 1 Junior males 66 15 Junior females 3 1

123

Figure 173: Extra cricket teams in East Herts by 2033 based on participation increases

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 78 5 Adult females 5 0 Junior males 71 5 Junior females 3 0

 Changes in supply: There are no known development threats to any existing cricket pitch sites. There are a number of pitch development proposals in the district at present, many of which involve the development of education provision with dual use by the community.

 Existing spare capacity: Existing seasonal and peak-time spare pitch capacity in each sub-area in the district are as follows:

Figure 174: Existing cricket pitch spare capacity in East Herts by sub-area

Sub-area Seasonal balance Peak balance Bishop’s Stortford +100 +1.5 Buntingford +55 Balanced Hertford and Ware +130 -0.5 Sawbridgeworth +65 Balanced Watton-at-Stone +150 +1.5 East Herts +500 +2.5

 Future pitch needs: The additional pitch requirements arising from increases in population and participation by 2033 have been assessed as follows. The additional wicket needs are calculated on the basis of the capacity of a ‘good’ quality pitch and pitches on an assumed eight wickets per pitch:

Figure 175: Extra cricket pitch needs in East Herts by 2033 by sub-area

124

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet future demand?

3.52 The seasonal match equivalent situation at community accessible pitches is below:

Figure 176: Additional secured cricket pitch needs in East Herts by 2033 by sub-area

Sub-area Current Current Current peak Extra peak Total peak Additional secured secured peak needs needs by needs by 2033 secured pitch pitches spare capacity 2033 needs Bishop’s Stortford 8 +1.5 pitches 6.5 pitches 3.5 pitches 10.0 pitches 2.0 pitches Buntingford 9 Balanced 9.0 pitches 2.0 pitches 11.0 pitches 2.0 pitches Hertford and Ware 7 -0.5 7.5 pitches 1.25 pitches 8.75 pitches 1.75 pitches Sawbridgeworth 2 Balanced 2.0 pitches 2.0 pitches 4.0 pitches 2.0 pitches Watton-at-Stone 5 +1.5 pitches 3.5 pitches 1.0 pitch 4.5 pitches None East Herts 31 +2.5 pitches 28.5 pitches 9.75 pitches 38.25 pitches 7.25 pitches

The options for securing additional accessible and secured pitch capacity

3.53 The options for securing the additional and improved provision are as follows:

 Protect: Protecting existing pitch sites through the Local Plan will be key both to maintaining the current stock.

- Reinstating some or all of the three un-used pitches in the district.

- Securing access to at least some of the 16 existing grass pitches on school sites.

- The development of a new junior ground and pavilion improvement proposals at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site are Hertfordshire Cricket’s top facilities priority in East Herts.

- Several pitch developments on new and existing education sites have potential to meet additional community needs, providing access is secured through the planning process.

 Enhance: The artificial turf wicket at St. Margaretsbury Sports and Social Club is poor quality, as are the nets at Little Berkhampsted Recreation Ground and the changing facilities at Albury Sports Field and Thorley Cricket Club. Enhancements to the pavilion at Norfolk Road Recreation Ground in Buntingford to counter vandalism issues are also a priority.

125

Policy recommendations

3.54 The recommendations in relation to cricket are made in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 74, which stipulates that existing open space including playing pitches, should not be built upon unless:

 An assessment has taken place which has clearly shown the open space to be surplus to requirements, or;

 The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality, in a suitable location, or;

 The development is for alternative sport and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweighs the loss.

3.55 The following recommendations are arranged under the three main headings of ‘protect’, ‘enhance’ and ‘provide’.

3.56 Protect:

 Recommendation 1 - Safeguarding existing provision: The East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy comprises a robust and evidence-based assessment of current and future needs for cricket in the district. The Strategy has identified a need for all current and disused cricket pitch sites to be retained, on the basis of the specific identified roles that each can play in delivering the needs of the sport in East Herts both now and in the future. It is therefore recommended that existing planning policies continue to support the retention of all sites, based upon the evidence in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

 Recommendation 2 - Community access to education facilities: There are 16 pitches collectively comprising 86 grass and six artificial turf pitches on school sites with no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage.

- Efforts are made to secure community use agreements at existing education pitches.

3.57 Enhance:

 Recommendation 3 - Capacity improvements: Some of the current demand for cricket in East Herts, can be accommodated through enhancements to existing pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts PPS be used as the basis for prioritising pitch and ancillary facility enhancements that will help to alleviate the current identified deficits.

126

 Recommendation 4 - Developer contributions (enhancements): Some of the additional demand for cricket arising from the proposed housing development in East Herts, can be accommodated through enhancements to existing pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining facility enhancements that demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover the capital and revenue implications of the enhancements. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

3.58 Provide:

 Recommendation 5 - New cricket pitch provision: New cricket pitch provision will be needed to meet some of the needs of the increased population of East Herts.

- The development of a new junior ground and pavilion improvement proposals at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site are Hertfordshire Cricket’s top facilities priority in East Herts.

- Several pitch developments on new and existing education sites have potential to meet additional community needs, providing access is secured through the planning process.

 Recommendation 6 - Developer contributions (new provision): Most of the additional demand for cricket arising from the proposed housing development in East Herts, will need to be accommodated through the provision of new pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining which proposed new facilities demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover their capital and revenue cost implications. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

127

Action plan

3.59 In the context of the recommendations above, the tables below set out the cricket action plan by sub area to guide the implementation of the strategy. The abbreviations stand for EHC - East Herts Council and ECB - England and Wales Cricket Board. The capital cost estimates are based upon Sport England’s ‘Facility Costs - Second Quarter of 2016’ (2016).

Figure 177: Key cricket strategic actions

Issue Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Community access Pursue Community EHC Schools Possible Medium to education pitches Use agreements at all funding for existing high priority improvements sites and all future to physical proposed pitches on accessibility. education sites. Developer Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High contributions contributions for new and improved pitch provision related to new development.

Figure 178: Cricket site-specific action plan for Bishop’s Stortford and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Albury Outfield is very Improve outfield Albury Albury £20,000 for Medium Sports Field uneven quality and new Cricket Club Parish outfield Pavilion in poor pavilion (also for Council £200,000 for state of repair football use). pavilion Bishops A high quality, Provide a new BS Sports ECB £100,000 for High Stortford well-maintained junior ground and Trust junior ground Sports Trust facility in all pavilion £500,000 for respects. improvements. pavilion Braughing Outfield shared Maintain current Braughing - - Low Playing with football pitch. provision Parish Fields Council Hockerill A high quality, Maintain current Hockerill - - Medium Cricket Club well-maintained provision Cricket Club facility. Little A high quality, Maintain current Little - - Low Hadham well-maintained provision Hadham Cricket Club facility. Parish Council Thorley Pavilion is very Provide a new Thorley ECB £200,000 for High Cricket poor quality. pavilion. Cricket pavilion Club Club

128

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Bishop’s 3,250 new homes Secure developer EHC Developers - Medium Stortford to be built by contributions for BS Sports North 2033. extra capacity at Trust BS Sports Trust Hockerill CC and Hockerill CC Bishop’s 900 new homes to Secure developer EHC Developers - Medium Stortford be built by 2033. contributions for Thorley CC South extra capacity at Thorley CC

Figure 179: Cricket site-specific action plan for Buntingford and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Aspenden, Changing facilities Pavilion Aspenden, ECB £200,000 for Medium Standon & are ageing and improvements and Standon & pavilion Puckeridge CC practice nets show new nets. Puckeridge £30,000 for signs of wear. CC nets Aston Cricket A high quality, Maintain current Aston Parish - - Low Ground well-maintained provision Council facility. Datchworth A high quality, Maintain current Datchworth Datchworth - Low Sports Club well-maintained provision Sports Club Parish facility. Council Freman Outfield shared Maintain current Freman - - Low College with football pitch. provision College Little Munden A high quality, Maintain current Little - - Low Cricket Club well-maintained provision Munden facility. Parish Council Norfolk Road Outfield shared Extend the pavilion Buntingford Buntingford £100,000 for High Playing Fields with football pitch. and install anti- Cricket Club Town pavilion Pavilion subject to vandal measures. Council extension vandalism. The Meads Outfield shared Maintain current Hormead - - Low with football provision Parish pitches. Council Thundridge A high quality, Maintain current Thundridge - - Low Sports well-maintained provision Parish Ground facility. Council Walkern Outfield shared Maintain current Walkern Walkern - Low Jubilee with football provision Sports Club Parish Pavilion pitches. Council East of 600 new homes to Meet needs by EHC Datchworth TBC High Stevenage be built east of securing developer Sports Club development Stevenage. contributions to Developers enhance capacity at Datchworth Sports Club.

129

Figure 180: Cricket site-specific action plan for Hertford and Ware

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Allenbury A high quality, Maintain current Allenbury - - Low Sports and well-maintained provision Sports and Social Club facility. Social Club Bengeo Sports Outfield shared Maintain current Bengeo - £20,000 for Medium Field with football. provision Parish pitch Pavilion shows Council some vandalism. Hertford Cricket Artificial turf Provide new Hertford - £20,000 for Medium Club wicket shows signs artificial turf pitch Cricket Club artificial turf of vandalism. pitch

Hertingfordbury A high quality, Maintain current Recreation Hertingford- - Low Recreation well-maintained provision Ground bury Cricket Ground facility. Trustees Club St. Artificial turf Provide new St. - £20,000 for Medium Margaretsbury wicket needs artificial turf pitch Margarets- artificial turf Sports & Social replacing. bury Sports pitch Club Outfield shared & Social Club with football pitch. Ware North 1,000 - 1,500 new Meet needs by EHC Wodson TBC High development homes to be built securing developer Trust north of Ware. contributions to Developers enhance capacity at Hertford CC and St. Margaretsbury CC

Figure 181: Cricket site-specific action plan for Sawbridgeworth and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Leventhorpe Outfield shared Maintain current Leventhorpe - - Low Academy with football pitch. provision Academy Town Fields, A high quality, Maintain current Sawbridge- - - Low Sawbridgeworth well-maintained provision worth facility. Cricket Club Ware Cricket A high quality, Maintain current Ware - - Low Club well-maintained provision Cricket facility. Club Gilston Garden 3,050 new homes Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC High Town to be built in securing Gilston by 2033 developer contributions to establish a new cricket facility in the Garden Town

130

Figure 182: Cricket site-specific action plan for Watton-at-Stone and surrounds

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Bayford & A high quality, Maintain current Bayford & - - Low Hertford well-maintained provision Hertford Nondescripts CC facility. NCC Bramfield Playing Changing facilities Review the need Bramfield - - Low Field are ageing. for new changing Parish facilities in 5 years. Council Little Pavilion shows  Review the need Little Little £30,000 for Low Berkhampsted signs of wear. Very for new changing Berkham- Berkham- nets Recreation poor quality facilities in 5 sted Parish sted Cricket Ground practice nets are years. Council Club barely usable.  Provide new practice nets Tewin Some damage to Maintain current Tewin Parish - - Low Recreation the outfield. provision Council Ground Watton-at-Stone Outfield shared Maintain current Watton-at- - - Low Recreation with football pitch. provision Stone Parish Ground Council East of Welwyn 1,350 new homes Meet needs by EHC Welwyn TBC High Garden City to be built east of securing developer Hatfield DC development Welwyn Garden contributions to Developers City. enhance pitch capacity in Welwyn Garden City

131

SECTION 4: RUGBY PITCH NEEDS IN EAST HERTS

The key local stakeholders

4.1 The Rugby Football Union: The RFU administers the sport in Hertfordshire.

4.2 Rugby Clubs: There are four RFU-affiliated rugby clubs in the district, which collectively field 69 teams.

Strategic context

National Rugby Strategy

4.3 The RFUs ‘National Facilities Strategy for Rugby Union in England 2013 - 2017’ (2013) provides a framework for facility provision.

 Current issues: A clubs’ survey identified areas of required facility development:

- Over half of the clubs responding considered that their training facilities are not fit for purpose. Floodlighting was highlighted as a particular issue. Two- thirds of clubs stated that it is either ‘very important’ or ‘important’ for them to upgrade their floodlighting over the next four years.

- 68% of respondents consider their playing pitches to be fit for purpose. However, over 57 per cent of respondent clubs stated that additional or improved grass pitches are either very important or important for them to develop over the next four years.

- Almost a third of respondents consider that their changing facilities are not fit for purpose. New or improved changing facilities are the highest priority for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of clubs (50% of respondents), while 61% stated that it is either very important or important for them to address the state of their changing facilities over the next four years.

 Facility priorities: These are as follows:

- Increase the provision of integrated changing facilities that are child friendly and can sustain concurrent male and female activity at the club.

- Improve the quality and quantity of natural turf pitches.

- Increase the number of Artificial Turf Pitches.

- Improve social, community and catering facilities, which can support diversification and the generation of additional revenues. 132

- Invest in facility upgrades which result in an increase in energy-efficiency, in order to reduce the running costs of clubs.

Pitch strategies in neighbouring areas

4.4 Consultation with neighbouring local authorities identified the following key issues in relation to East Herts:

 Uttlesford: Uttlesford is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is good via the M11 and A120. The ‘Uttlesford Sports Facilities Development Strategy’ (2016) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is a collective shortfall equivalent to two pitches at present There is some evidence of any exported demand to Bishop’s Stortford. An assessment of future needs indicates that demand generated by population growth in Uttlesford by 2031 will require two further rugby pitches, in addition to the existing deficit.

 Harlow: Harlow is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Sawbridgeworth sub-area. Accessibility towards Hertford is good via the A414 but links to Sawbridgeworth via the A1184 are slower. Harlow District Council is currently reviewing its playing pitch strategy but the emerging findings indicate that the new site which Harlow Rugby Club is moving to in March 2017 will meet all local needs, with no exported demand to East Herts.

 Epping Forest: Epping Forest district is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. The ‘Epping Forest Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment’ (2012) is currently being updated by the council but pending the emergence of detailed findings, dialogue with the council and the Essex RFU has identified that existing provision is adequate to meet current needs and that there is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 Broxbourne: Broxbourne is located to the south of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Ware sub-area. Accessibility is generally very good via the A10 corridor. The ‘Broxbourne Leisure Facilities Strategy: Outdoor Facilities’ (2013) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is a current shortfall of two pitches in the borough, with a further one to two pitches required to meet additional demand by 2021. There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

133

 Welwyn Hatfield: Welwyn Hatfield is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Watton-at-Stone sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A414 provides connections to Hertford. The ‘Welwyn Hatfield Sports Facilities Strategy: A Vision to 2026’ (2010) is considered by Sport England to be out of date, but dialogue with the council and the RFU has identified that existing rugby pitches are used to full capacity, but there is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 North Hertfordshire: North Hertfordshire is located to the north and north-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A507 provides connections to Baldock and the A10 to Royston. The ‘North Hertfordshire Playing Pitch Strategy’ (2015) has been adopted by the council and identifies that whilst there is current collective spare capacity in the district, two key sites in Letchworth and Hitchin are used to over-capacity. There is some evidence of exported demand to Datchworth Rugby Club, which draws 5% of its membership from the district.

 Stevenage: Stevenage is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, although the A602 provides connections to Watton-at-Stone. The ‘Stevenage Sports Facilities Assessment and Strategy’ (2014) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is current spare capacity in the borough which will be sufficient to accommodate all future demand to 2031 in addition. There is some evidence of exported demand from Stevenage to Datchworth Rugby Club, which draws 25% of its overall membership from the town.

The implications for East Herts

4.5 The implications of the strategic context for rugby in East Herts are as follows:

 Policy shifts: The move in national sports policy towards prioritising new participants will create a challenge for rugby to demonstrate that it can attract new and lapsed participants. Recent innovations such as walking rugby and tag rugby might prove more attractive to new participants.

 Neighbouring areas: There are shortfalls in rugby pitch provision in two neighbouring areas and some evidence of imported demand.

Rugby pitch demand

Introduction

4.6 This section summarises the demand for rugby in East Herts and covers:

 Expressed demand.

134

 Displaced demand.

 Unmet demand.

 Latent demand.

 Demand trends.

 The views of stakeholders on rugby demand.

Expressed demand

4.7 The following rugby clubs and teams are affiliated to the RFU and are based in East Herts. Because of the small number of teams, no sub-area analysis has been undertaken.

Figure 183: Rugby clubs and teams in East Herts

Club Match venue Adult teams Junior teams Mini teams Bishop’s Stortford RFC Silverleys 5 12 6 Black Horse RFC Hertford Rugby Club 1 0 0 Datchworth RFC Datchworth Sports Club 3 6 6 Hertford RFC Hertford Rugby Club 6 10 14 TOTALS - 15 28 26

4.8 Because rugby clubs typically draw their membership form a wider catchment than football and cricket, a more balanced assessment of geographical variations across the district can be made by combining some sub-areas. The results are tabulated below:

Figure 184: Rugby clubs and teams by grouped sub-area in East Herts

Age group Bishop’s Stortford and Buntingford and Hertford and Ware Sawbridgeworth Watton-at-Stone Adult male teams 5 3 7 Adult female teams 0 0 1 Junior male teams 12 6 10 Junior female teams 0 0 0 Mini teams 6 6 14

Displaced demand

4.9 Displaced demand relates to play by teams or other users of playing pitches from within the study area which takes place outside of the area. All competitive play is currently accommodated on pitches in East Herts, but Datchworth RFC regularly uses a ‘3G’ pitch in Hatfield for training purposes.

135

Unmet demand

4.10 Unmet demand takes a number of forms:  Teams may have access to a pitch for their matches but nowhere to train or vice versa.

 Pitches of a particular size or type may be unavailable to the community.

 The poor quality and consequent limited capacity of pitches in the area and/or a lack of provision and ancillary facilities which meet a certain standard of play/league requirement.

4.11 Consultation with clubs in East Herts revealed that all respondents identified a shortage of pitches as an impediment to growth. Clubs identified unmet demand is equivalent to one extra adult male team, one adult female team and three junior girl’s teams.

4.12 The main source of unmet demand for Rugby in East Herts is not the poor quality of pitches per se (although a number do suffer from poor drainage), but rather the current levels of use which exceed sustainable capacity. Bishop’s Stortford RFC has a membership waiting list equivalent to four to five teams.

Latent demand

4.13 Overall sports and physical activity rates in East Herts are so relatively high, in particular the club membership and organisation figures, that it is reasonable to assume that additional rugby demand would be apparent if the pitch capacity existed to accommodate it.

Demand trends

4.14 Local and national demand trends in East Herts indicate the following:

 Active People Survey: Based upon the national results of Sport England’s ‘Active People’ survey, adult (16+) participation in rugby has fluctuated over the period since 2005 as follows, but currently shows no net gains or losses:

Figure 185: National rugby union participation rates

2005/6 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/1 2011/2 2012/3 2013/4 2014/5 2015/6 % Change 0.46% 0.56% 0.50% 0.46% 0.42% 0.42% 0.37% 0.43% 0.40% 0.46% 0.00%

 Local membership trends: Contrary to the national trends, all the local clubs have increased their memberships in the past three years.

136

 Future trends: The local clubs expect to increase their collective memberships over the next three years, by adding one adult men’s team and two junior girl’s teams, but scale of these aspirations relates more to known available pitch capacity rather than a lack of demand or organisational logistics.

The views of stakeholders

4.15 The Rugby Football Union: Consultation with the RFU’s Area Facilities Manager and the Hertfordshire RFU’s Rugby Development Officer, identified the following issues in East Herts:

 Women’s rugby: There is limited women and girl’s rugby at the clubs in East Herts, although Bishop’s Stortford RFC has some mixed Touch Rugby activity at adult and age group levels and all clubs run mixed mini-rugby. The main limiting factor is a lack of pitch capacity.

 Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club: The club has 23 teams across all age groups. Its pitches are currently operating at full capacity and it has a waiting list equivalent to four or five teams. The club has good links with local schools, in particular Bishop’s Stortford College and Bishop’s Stortford High School.

 Hertford Rugby Club: The club has 30 teams across all age groups and is also operating at full capacity, including hosting school’s events.

 Datchworth Rugby Club: The club has 15 teams across all age groups and is based at Datchworth Sports Club.

 Black Horse Rugby Club: The club has a single adult male team and plays at Hertford Rugby Club.

4.16 Local clubs: A questionnaire survey was circulated to the four clubs in the district that are affiliated to the RFU. Two three largest clubs responded (Bishop’s Stortford Hertford and Datchworth), collectively representing 68 of the 69 teams in East Herts (a 98.6% response rate). This was followed up with dialogue with the key clubs, to explore additional issues.

 Membership trends: All clubs have increased their membership over the past three years.

- Bishop’s Stortford RFC: ‘Senior men’s rugby has increased, probably due to publicity surrounding the Rugby World Cup in 2015, to allow us to run five sides again. Women have increased due to the creation of our Touch Rugby section. Youth boys and mini-rugby have grown as a result of the success of the club at youth level’.

- Datchworth RFC: ‘We have increased in the youth structure by two teams, which we originally lost due to lack of numbers and coaches stepping down at short notice, these were male sides at 14 and 16 age groups, but through hard work we are now back up to full allocation of age groups’. 137

- Hertford RFC: ‘The men’s senior teams were in danger of dropping to just four senior sides. A recruitment drive in 2014/15 added some 35 players to the pool of senior players. The women’s and girl’s sides became defunct around 2011/12 Season but since 2015/16, girls (around 20) and women (around 15) been recruited’.

 Future trends: All clubs expect to increase their membership over the next three years, collectively projecting one extra adult men’s team, one adult female team and three junior girl’s teams.

 Issues inhibiting expansion: Clubs indicated that the main impediments to expansion are facilities related, as opposed to a lack of coaches or volunteers.

 Area of origin of players: Datchworth RFC imports 30% of its overall membership from outside the district (principally from Stevenage and North Hertfordshire) and Bishop’s Stortford around 15% (principally from Uttlesford).

The implications for rugby in East Herts

4.17 Analysis of local demand for rugby in East Herts indicates the following:

 Rugby demand: Demand for rugby in East Herts is very buoyant, with the main limiting factor on further growth being a shortage of pitch capacity.

 Women and girl’s rugby: The main factor inhibiting rugby development for women and girls in the district is a lack of pitch capacity.

 Facilities provision: Current provision is inadequate at all sites.

 Neighbouring areas: Some demand is imported from neighbouring areas.

 Unmet demand: Unmet demand is equivalent to a total to one extra adult male team, one adult female team and three junior girl’s teams.

 Latent demand: Latent demand based upon information supplied by local clubs is equivalent to two adult male teams, three adult female teams, five junior male teams, two junior female teams and eight mini-rugby teams.

4.18 The table below summarises the above figures for the purposes of calculating team equivalents in East Herts:

Figure 186: Effective rugby team numbers in East Herts

Age group Expressed Unmet Latent Total demand demand demand demand Adult male teams 15 1 2 18 Adult female teams 1 1 3 5 Junior male teams 28 0 5 33 Junior female teams 0 3 2 5 Mini teams 26 0 8 34

138

Rugby pitch supply

Introduction

4.19 This section details the supply of rugby pitches in East Herts and covers:

 Pitch quantity.

 Pitch quality.

 Pitch maintenance.

 Ownership, management and security of access.

 The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply.

Rugby pitches

4.20 Provision of rugby pitches in East Herts is as follows. Because of the small number of pitches, no sub-area analysis has been undertaken.

 Full-sized pitches: Full-sized pitches with community use and used are below:

Figure 187: Rugby pitches with community use and used in East Herts

Site Address Floodlit Non-floodlit pitches pitches Bishop’s Stortford RFC  Hadham Rd, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2QE 2 2 Datchworth Sports Club Datchworth Green, Knebworth SG3 6TL 1 2 Hertford Rugby Club Hoe Lane, Ware SG12 9NZ 2 3 TOTALS - 5 7

 Mini-rugby pitches: In addition to the full-sized, permanently marked pitches above, each club provides a number of mini-rugby pitches, normally marked with cones and laid out on a temporary basis either on the adult pitches or using other suitable areas on the main pitch surrounds.

- Bishop’s Stortford RFC: The club creates five mini-rugby pitches on grass areas at its main site and has access to a green space at Bishop’s Stortford College that it uses for mini-rugby training only.

- Datchworth RFC: The club creates eight mini-rugby pitches on its two non- floodlit adult pitches and the surrounding areas.

- Hertford RFC: The club creates six mini-rugby pitches on its two non-floodlit adult pitches and the surrounding areas.

139

 Pitches without community use: Full-sized pitches without community use are below.

Figure 188: Rugby pitches with no community use in East Herts

Site Address Non-floodlit pitches Birchwood High School Parsonage Lane, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5BD 2 Bishop’s Stortford College  Maze Green Rd., Bishop's Stortford CM23 2PJ 7 Bishop’s Stortford High School Great Hadham Rd., Bishop’s Stortford SG10 6FB 4 Chauncy School Park Road, Ware SG12 0DP 1 Edwinstree Middle School Norfolk Rd, Buntingford SG9 9AW 1 Freman College Bowling Green Lane, Buntingford SG9 9BT 2 Haileybury College Hertford SG13 7NU 6 Hockerill Anglo-European College Dunmow Road, Bishop’s Stortford CM23 5HX 2 Leventhorpe Academy Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9BY 2 Richard Hale School Hale Road, Hertford SG13 8EN 2 Simon Balle School Mangrove Road, Hertford SG13 8AJ 2 St. Edmund’s College Old Hall Green, Ware SG11 1DS 2 The Sele School Welwyn Road, Hertford SG14 2DG 1 TOTALS - 34

Pitch quality

4.21 The qualitative analysis of pitches in East Herts involved visits to all rugby pitches during the playing season, to undertake the sport-specific non-technical visual inspections produced by the RFU for Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ (2013). The assessment involved evaluating the condition of:

 Pitch drainage: Inadequately naturally drained (scores D0), adequately naturally drained (scores D1) pipe drained (scores (D2) and pipe and slit drained pitches (scores D3).

 Grounds maintenance: Frequency of aeration, sand-dressing, fertilising, weed killing and chain harrowing. This generates scores of ‘Poor’ (M0), ‘Adequate’ (M1) and ‘Good’ (M2)

4.22 The scores for rugby pitches in East Herts are as follows. ‘Good’ ratings are shown in green, ‘Standard’ in yellow and ‘Poor’ in red.

140

Figure 189: Rugby pitch quality assessment in East Herts

Site Pitch Drainage Maintenance Bishop’s Stortford RFC 1 D3 M2 2 D2 M2 3 D2 M2 4 D2 M2 Datchworth Sports Club 1 D3 M2 2 D2 M2 3 D0 M2 Hertford Rugby Club 1 D2 M2 2 D2 M2 3 D2 M2 4 D2 M2 5 D2 M2

4.23 The carrying capacity of pitches depends on their quality and is expressed as the number of ‘match equivalents’ that can be accommodated each week. The ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ indicates the following weekly carrying capacities:

Figure 190: Rugby pitch carrying capacity calculations

Drainage Maintenance Poor Standard Good Natural inadequate 0.5 1.0 2.0 Natural adequate 1.5 2.0 3.0 Pipe drained 1.75 2.5 3.25 Pipe and slit drained 2.0 3.0 3.5

4.24 The carrying capacity in weekly match equivalents of each rugby pitch in East Herts is as follows:

Figure 191: Rugby pitch carrying capacity in East Herts

Site Pitch Carrying capacity Bishop’s Stortford RFC 1 3.5 2 3.25 3 3.25 4 3.25 Datchworth Sports Club 1 3.5 2 3.25 3 2.0 Hertford Rugby Club 1 3.25 2 3.25 3 3.25 4 3.25 5 3.25

141

Ancillary facilities

4.25 The quality of changing facilities at each site was assessed as follows:

Figure 192: Quality of rugby changing facilities in East Herts

Site Rating Comments Bishop’s Stortford RFC Good The capacity of the changing facilities is inadequate if all pitches are in use. Datchworth Sports Club Good The changing facilities are ageing, with no separate male and female changing rooms Hertford Rugby Club Good ‘There are some problems with officials’ changing provision because as showers are communal, if the referee is female no changing rooms are available. For Youth rugby, for safeguarding reasons, changing rooms and showers are unavailable to adult referees’ - Hertford RFC.

4.26 The presence and quality of floodlights affects midweek training capacity. The assessment of floodlight quality is as follows:

Figure 193: Quality of floodlights at rugby pitches in East Herts

Site Pitch Rating Bishop’s Stortford RFC 1 Good 2 Good Datchworth Sports Club 1 Good Hertford Rugby Club 1 Good 2 Good

Pitch Maintenance

4.27 The pitches at all the rugby sites in East Herts are all maintained by the clubs.

Ownership management and security of access

4.28 The ownership, management and security of access to all rugby pitches with community use and used in East Herts is set out below.

Figure 194: Ownership management and security of access of rugby facilities in East Herts

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford RFC Bishop’s Stortford RFC Secured RFC Silverleys Trust Datchworth Sports Datchworth Parish Council Datchworth Rugby Club Secured Club Hertford Rugby Hertford Regional College Hertford RFC Secured Club East Herts Council Richard Hale Association

142

The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply

4.29 The Rugby Football Union: Consultation with the RFU’s Area Facilities Manager and the Hertfordshire RFU’s Rugby Development Officer, identified the following issues:

 Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club: The RFU provided funding towards floodlights to enhance capacity and whilst the club has considered a World Rugby- compliant artificial grass pitch, it concluded that extra grass pitch space is the preferred option. In 2010, the club lost its licence to use a rugby pitch at an adjacent site south of Hadham Road, owned by Hertfordshire County Council, because the Council was keen to sell the land for housing. East Herts Council has allocated the site for community use in the emerging Local Plan, so there may be some potential for the club to regain use of the pitch in the future.

 Hertford Rugby Club: The land ownership situation at its site is complicated. The Club has 17 acres of existing grounds. 10 acres is owned indirectly by the Club, through the Richard Hale Association. The remaining 7 acres are leased from East Herts Council and Hertford Regional College (approximately 3.5 acres each). There are about three years left to run on each lease. The club has procured a 30-acre site to the west and north of its current location and plans to develop this for additional pitches, a clubhouse and car parking.

 Datchworth Rugby Club: The club is based at Datchworth Sports Club. This is a village site in the Green Belt, which places limitations on expansion and development. Its pitches are operating at full capacity and whilst the club would like to provide a World Rugby-compliant artificial grass pitch, this is unlikely to be permissible in planning terms. The club would also like to develop its clubhouse.

 RFU Artificial Grass Pitch Strategy: The RFU is currently undertaking a strategy which will identify any potential sites in East Herts.

4.30 Local clubs: Local clubs expressed the following views:

 Pitch capacity: The following comments were made on rugby pitch capacity:

- Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club - The club stated that ‘we have a 'temporary' arrangement with Bishop’s Stortford College to use green space at their sports grounds to accommodate four of our teams (around 200 mini players) because we do not have enough space at our main Silver Leys site. Our long-stated aim is to bring the whole club back together on our main site’.

- Datchworth Rugby Club - The club stated that ‘now that we are up to full age limits we are struggling Sunday mornings with organising space on our playing surfaces and are having to offset youth games to later kick off times’.

143

- Hertford Rugby Club - The Club stated that ‘we bought 30 acres of new land immediately adjacent to the current club site, with the plan to use this for new pitches. This was primarily to cope with current numbers but also to safeguard against the loss of part of current land which is not owned by the club and for which there may be plans for development. Planning permission has been denied to convert agricultural land to playing pitches. This land is green belt land. Planning permission has been given however for the conversion of part of that land to a car park for 90 cars’.

 Pitch quality: Datchworth Rugby Club stated that ‘for the last two-three years our two pitches on the back fields have been waterlogged due to the severe weather in the winter months. Although we have laid drainage under one pitch it is inadequate for the severe weather’.  Training facilities: The following comments were made on training facilities:

- Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club - The club hires the floodlit artificial turf pitches at Bishop’s Stortford College (sand-filled) and Birchwood High School (‘3G’) for a collective 12 hours per week.

- Datchworth Rugby Club - The club hires the ‘3G’ pitch at Hertfordshire Sports Village in Hatfield on a weekly basis.

- Hertford Rugby Club - ‘The floodlit training pitch suffers from overuse although has been significantly improved recently’.

 Changing facilities: The following comments were made on changing facilities:

- Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club - The capacity of the changing facilities is inadequate if all pitches are in use.

- Datchworth Rugby Club - The changing facilities are ageing, with no separate male and female changing rooms.

- Hertford Rugby Club - ‘For Youth rugby, for safeguarding reasons, changing rooms and showers are unavailable to adult referees’.

Geographical distribution

4.31 The geographical spread of rugby pitches in East Herts is set out in the map below. It shows that the north of the district around Buntingford is more than 20-minutes drive from the nearest rugby pitch.

144

Figure 195: Geographical coverage of rugby pitches in East Herts

145

The implications for rugby in East Herts

4.32 Analysis of local pitch supply for rugby in East Herts indicates the following:

 There are 12 pitches with community use and used, five of which are floodlit. There are supplemented by 19 temporarily marked mini-rugby pitches. There are a further 34 full-sized pitches on school sites that might offer some potential for community use.

 The quality of pitches is generally good, but all are used up to or just beyond their full carrying capacity at present, which is not sustainable in the longer term.

 Hertford Rugby Club has complex security of tenure issues to address with its site.

Assessment of current needs

4.33 To assess whether the current supply of pitches is adequate to meet existing demand an understanding of the situation at all sites available to the community needs to be developed. This is achieved by providing a brief overview for each site, which comprises:

 A comparison between the carrying capacity of a site with how much demand currently takes place there. The carrying capacity of a site is defined as the amount of play it can regularly accommodate without adversely affecting its quality and use. Demand is defined in terms of the number of ‘match equivalent’ sessions at each site.

 An indication of the extent to which pitches are being used during the peak periods.

4.34 The site overviews identify the extent to which pitches are

 Being overplayed: Where use exceeds the carrying capacity (highlighted in red in the tables below).

 Being played to the level the site can sustain: Where use matches the carrying capacity.

 Potentially able to accommodate some additional play: Where use falls below the carrying capacity.

4.35 In line with RFU guidance, rugby pitch capacity, demand and the resultant balance are expressed as ‘match equivalent’ sessions, both weekly and at peak times.

146

Figure 196: Supply-demand balance of rugby pitches in East Herts

Site Pitches Users Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford 4 Bishop’s 13.25 17.5 -4.25 4.0 4.0 Balanced RFC Stortford RFC Datchworth Sports 3 Datchworth RFC 8.75 10.5 -1.75 3.0 3.0 Balanced Club Hertford Rugby Club 5 Hertford RFC 16.25 16.5 -0.25 5.0 5.0 Balanced Black Horse RFC

Sub-area analysis

4.36 The analysis of the current supply-demand balance in terms of match equivalents by sub-areas is as follows:

Figure 197: Supply-demand balance of rugby pitches in East Herts by grouped sub-area

Site Weekly Weekly Weekly Peak Peak Peak capacity demand balance capacity demand balance Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth 13.25 17.5 -4.25 4.0 4.0 Balanced Buntingford and Watton-at-Stone 8.75 10.5 -1.75 3.0 3.0 Balanced Hertford and Ware 16.25 16.5 -0.25 5.0 5.0 Balanced East Herts 38.25 44.5 -6.25 12.0 12.0 Balanced

4.37 The key findings match the clubs’ assessment above, that there is a weekly deficit in all three sub-areas, the largest of which is in Bishop’s Stortford, which results in the pitches being used to beyond their sustainable capacity. Peak time usage is balanced, but this reflects the fact that pitch usage is at full capacity, rather than a lack of additional demand.

Assessment of future needs

Population growth

4.38 Population growth to the end 2033 has been projected based upon housing supply targets. The population figures are as follows:

Figure 198: Population projections in East Herts to 2033

Population 2021 Population 2026 Population 2033 152,525 158,730 179,558

Location of growth

4.39 Housing targets and related population growth in each rugby sub-area are projected as follows, based upon an average of 2.32 residents per dwelling: 147

Figure 199: Housing targets and population projections in East Herts to 2033

Sub-area Housing target to 2033 Extra Population 2033 Total Population 2033 Bishop’s Stortford 7,693 17,848 77,858 and Sawbridgeworth Buntingford and 3,050 7,076 34,876 Watton-at-Stone Hertford and Ware 1,950 4,524 66,824 East Herts 12,693 29,448 179,558

Potential changes in demand

4.40 In addition to the growth in population, potential increases in participation need to be factored in. estimates the demand which might arise from the new developments. Two alternative scenarios have therefore been considered, a 0% increase in participation and 0.5% increase in participation.

Site-specific pressures

4.41 The security of tenure issue at Hertford Rugby Club is the only known threat to existing rugby pitch sites in the district.

Potential changes in supply

4.42 The following potential additions to current pitch provision are both dependent on planning outcomes:

 The land acquired by Hertford Rugby Club would accommodate a net increase in pitches, even if the parts of the current site owned by East Herts Council and Hertford Regional College were lost.

 The site of the former pitch south of Hadham Road in Bishop’s Stortford could be re-instated subject to the final provisions of the Local Plan.

Existing spare capacity

4.43 There is no existing spare rugby pitch capacity in East Herts, with the current collective weekly deficit across all sites calculated at 6.25 match equivalents.

Future rugby pitch needs

4.44 Future rugby pitch needs based on projected population increases are modelled below using ‘Team Generation Rates’ (TGRs), which identify how many people in a specified age group in the district are required to generate one team (including teams representing latent and unmet demand - see section 4.18). These are then applied to projected changes in population to identify the likely number of teams in the future. The population projections are based on the demographic profile typical of new housing developments, with a higher proportion of younger people.

148

4.45 The application of TGRs to projected population in each of the sub-areas in East Herts in 2033 produces the following results. The population figures include the residents of new housing in East Herts elements of the Sustainable Urban Extensions detailed in Part I of the study:

Figure 200: Extra rugby teams in Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Surrounds to 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult males 6 9,747 1: 1,625 13,314 8 2 Adult females 2 9,975 1: 4,988 13,625 3 1 Junior males 14 1,989 1: 142 2,717 19 5 Junior females 2 1,864 1: 932 2,546 3 1 Mini/Midi 10 5,615 1: 562 7,769 14 4

Figure 201: Extra rugby teams in Buntingford, Watton-at-Stone and Surrounds to 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult males 4 4,754 1: 1,189 5,964 5 1 Adult females 1 4,865 1: 4,865 6,103 1 0 Junior males 7 970 1: 139 1,218 9 2 Junior females 1 909 1: 909 1,140 1 0 Mini/Midi 8 2,738 1: 342 3,454 10 2

Figure 202: Extra rugby teams in Hertford and Ware to 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult males 8 10,653 1: 1,332 11,627 9 1 Adult females 2 10,903 1: 5,452 11,694 2 0 Junior males 12 2,174 1: 181 2,332 13 1 Junior females 2 2,037 1: 1,019 2,185 2 0 Mini/Midi 16 6,137 1: 384 6,582 17 1

4.46 In addition to increased demand based upon population growth, the effects of projected increases in participation of 0.5% per annum are modelled below. When added to population growth, the number of teams are as follows:

Figure 203: Projected increase in rugby teams in East Herts due to participation growth

Age group Bishop’s Stortford and Buntingford and Hertford and Ware Sawbridgeworth Watton-at-Stone Adult males 9 5 10 Adult females 3 1 2 Junior males 21 10 14 Junior females 3 1 2 Mini/Midi 15 11 18

149

4.47 The impact of the combined effects of increased population and increased participation demand for pitches in East Herts is projected as follows:

 One adult or junior team generates a requirement for 0.5 adult pitches.

 One mini team generates a demand for 0.25 adult pitches.

Figure 204: Projected increase in rugby pitch needs in East Herts

Sub-area Current Total teams with Total teams with population Extra adult teams population growth but no and 0.5% annual participation pitch needs participation growth growth Bishop’s Stortford 34 47 51 5.5 and Sawbridgeworth Buntingford and 21 26 28 2.75 Watton-at-Stone Hertford and Ware 40 43 46 2.5 East Herts 95 116 125 10.75

Key findings and issues

What are the main characteristics of current supply and demand?

4.48 The key characteristics of current supply and demand for rugby in East Herts are as follows:

 The demand for rugby in East Herts is very buoyant, with the main limiting factor on further growth being a shortage of pitch capacity.

 The main factor inhibiting rugby development for women and girls in the district is a lack of pitch capacity.

 There is evidence of imported rugby demand from neighbouring areas.

 The quality of pitches is generally good, but all are used to beyond their full carrying capacity at present, which is not sustainable in the longer term.

 Hertford Rugby Club has complex security of tenure issues to address with its site.

150

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet current demand?

4.49 There is a weekly deficit at all three club sites which results in the pitches being used to beyond their sustainable capacity. Peak time usage is balanced, but this reflects the fact that pitch usage is at full capacity and staggered fixture scheduling for junior and mini matches rather than a lack of additional demand.

Is the accessible provision of suitable quality and appropriately maintained?

4.50 All existing pitches are adequately maintained, although the quality is compromised by overuse at present.

What are the main characteristics of future supply and demand?

4.51 The main characteristics of future supply and demand are as follows:

 Population growth: The population of East Herts is estimated to be 179,558 by 2033. This represents an increase of 17.1% in the period. The effects of this in terms of additional team generation are as follows:

Figure 205: Extra rugby teams in East Herts by 2033 based on population increases

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 22 4 Adult females 6 1 Junior males 41 8 Junior females 6 1 Mini/Midi 41 7

Figure 206: Extra rugby teams in East Herts by 2033 based on participation increases

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 24 2 Adult females 6 0 Junior males 45 4 Junior females 6 0 Mini/Midi 44 3

 Changes in supply: The lack of long-term security of tenure over Hertford Rugby Club’s site may threaten pitch supply there.

151

 Spare capacity: There is no spare capacity at the existing rugby pitch sites, with the collective weekly deficit across all sites calculated at 6.25 match equivalents.

 Future pitch needs: An additional 10.75 full-sized grass rugby pitches will be required to meet additional needs to 2033.

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet future demand?

4.52 The situation at community accessible pitches is as follows:

Figure 207: Extra rugby pitch needs in East Herts by 2033

Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional secured peak spare peak needs needs by 2033 needs by secured pitch pitches capacity 2033 needs 12 -6.25 matches 15.5 pitches 10.75 pitches 26.25 pitches 14.25 pitches

The options for securing additional accessible and secured pitch capacity

4.53 The options for securing the additional pitches are as follows:

 Protect: Protecting the existing pitches through the Local Plan will be key to maintaining the current stock. This will include retaining the former pitch south of Hadham Road in Bishop’s Stortford.

 Provide: Additional pitch capacity would most appropriately be developed at the existing club sites. The site-specific capacity issues could be addressed as follows:

- Bishop Stortford RFC’s immediate pitch needs would be met by converting the existing football pitches at the Silverleys site to two additional rugby pitches, following the relocation of Bishop’s Stortford Swifts FC to new pitches on the adjacent housing development site. Further pitch provision should be made on the adjacent site south of Hadham Road. Consideration should be also given to providing an artificial grass pitch.

- Datchworth Rugby Club’s pitch capacity could be expanded with improved drainage and pitch construction on the existing pitch on its ‘back field’.

- Hertford Rugby Club’s pitch capacity could be expanded with planning consent for provision on the additional land that it has acquired.

 Enhance: Pavilion improvements at all three sites, particularly in relation to better provision for women and girls (players, coaches and match officials) would improve the overall user experience and facilitate further participation growth. 152

Policy recommendations

4.54 The recommendations in relation to rugby are made in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 74, which stipulates that existing open space including playing pitches, should not be built upon unless:

 An assessment has taken place which has clearly shown the open space to be surplus to requirements, or;

 The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality, in a suitable location, or;

 The development is for alternative sport and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweighs the loss.

4.55 The following recommendations are arranged under the three main headings of ‘protect’, ‘enhance’ and ‘provide’.

4.56 Protect:

 Recommendation 1 - Safeguarding existing provision: The East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy comprises a robust and evidence-based assessment of current and future needs for rugby in the district. The Strategy has identified a need for all current rugby pitch sites to be retained, on the basis of the specific identified roles that each can play in delivering the needs of the sport in East Herts both now and in the future. It is therefore recommended that existing planning policies continue to support the retention of all sites, based upon the evidence in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

 Recommendation 2 - Community access to education facilities: There are 34 pitches on school sites with no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage, given the waiting lists being operated by several clubs at present.

- Efforts are made to secure community use agreements at existing education pitches close to the existing rugby club sites.

4.57 Enhance:

 Recommendation 3 - Capacity improvements: Some of the current demand for rugby in East Herts, can be accommodated through enhancements to existing pitches and facilities. In particular:

153

- Datchworth Rugby Club’s pitch capacity could be expanded with improved drainage and pitch construction on the existing pitch on its ‘back field’.

- Hertford Rugby Club’s pitch capacity could be expanded with planning consent for provision on the additional land that it has acquired.

It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for prioritising pitch and ancillary facility enhancements that will help to alleviate the current identified deficits.

 Recommendation 4 - Developer contributions (enhancements): Some of the additional demand for rugby arising from the proposed housing development in East Herts, can be accommodated through enhancements to existing pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining facility enhancements that demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover the capital and revenue implications of the enhancements. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

4.58 Provide:

 Recommendation 5 - New rugby facilities provision: New rugby facilities provision will be needed to meet some of the needs of the increased population of East Herts. In particular

- Bishop Stortford RFC should consider making further pitch provision on the adjacent site south of Hadham Road. Consideration should be also given to providing an artificial grass pitch.

- Pavilion improvements at all three rugby club sites, particularly in relation to better provision for women and girls (players, coaches and match officials) would improve the overall user experience and facilitate further participation growth.

154

 Recommendation 6 - Developer contributions (new provision): Most of the additional demand for rugby arising from the proposed housing development in East Herts, will need to be accommodated through the provision of new pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining which proposed new facilities demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover their capital and revenue cost implications. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

Action plan

4.59 In the context of the recommendations above, the tables below set out the rugby action plan by sub area to guide the implementation of the strategy. The abbreviations stand for EHC - East Herts Council and RFU - Rugby Football Union. The capital cost estimates are based upon Sport England’s ‘Facility Costs - Second Quarter of 2016’ (2016).

Figure 208: Rugby action plan for East Herts

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Bishop’s  Shortage of pitch  Convert and Bishop’s RFU £20,000 for High Stortford RFC capacity. upgrade the on- Stortford EHC pitch upgrade  Additional site football RFC £10,000 to changing pitches if BS reinstate provision Swifts relocate. pitches. needed.  Reinstate pitches £10,000 for on the site south AGP feasibility of Hadham Road. study.  Reconsider £1.22 million providing an for AGP. artificial grass £250,000 for pitch. expanded  Expand changing changing. facilities. Datchworth  Shortage of pitch  Improve Datchworth RFU £20,000 for High RFC capacity. drainage on the RFC EHC pitch upgrade.  Additional ‘Back Pitch’. £250,000 for changing  Expand changing expanded provision facilities. changing. needed.

155

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Hertford RFC  Security of  Secure planning Hertford RFC RFU £500,000 for High tenure issues. consent for EHC clubhouse  Shortage of pitch converting capacity. adjacent land to  Additional pitches. changing  Provide new provision clubhouse on needed. adjacent site. Bishop’s 3,250 new homes Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High Stortford to be built by contributions for BSRFC North 2033. extra capacity at BS Rugby Club Bishop’s 900 new homes to Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High Stortford be built by 2033. contributions for BSRFC South extra capacity at BS Rugby Club East of 600 new homes to Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC Medium Stevenage be built east of securing developer Stevenage development Stevenage. contributions to RFC enhance capacity at Stevenage RFC. Ware North 1,000 - 1,500 new Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC High development homes to be built securing developer Hertford north of Ware. contributions to RFC enhance capacity at Hertford RFC. Gilston 3,050 new homes Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC Medium Garden to be built in securing Harlow RFC Town Gilston by 2033 developer contributions to enhance capacity at Harlow RFC. East of 1,350 new homes Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC Medium Welwyn to be built east of securing developer Welwyn Garden City Welwyn Garden contributions to RFC development City. enhance pitch capacity at Welwyn RFC Education Potential to access Investigate access BSRFC - TBC Medium pitches additional pitch to pitches at: Hertford RFC capacity at sites BS College close to clubs. Jobbers Wood Haileybury College

156

SECTION 5: HOCKEY PITCH NEEDS IN EAST HERTS

The key local stakeholders

5.1 England Hockey: England Hockey administers the sport in Hertfordshire.

5.2 Hockey Clubs: Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club and Hertford Hockey Club are affiliated to England Hockey and respectively field 29 and 24 teams drawn from East Herts.

Strategic context

National Hockey Strategy

5.3 England Hockey’s strategic plan 2013 - 2017 ‘A Nation Where Hockey Matters’ (2016) contains the following priorities of relevance to East Herts:

 Adults: The number of adults playing regularly in the club network will be increased by:

- Working with universities, schools and colleges to deliver quality playing experiences and clear pathways to club hockey.

- Working with regional and local leagues and affiliated clubs, to deliver the highest quality playing experience and appropriate competition frameworks.

- Developing more opportunities for over 40s to play hockey.

- Delivering a quality programme of competitions that meet the needs of players and clubs.

 Young people: The number of young people playing hockey in schools and clubs will be increased by:

- Developing more relationships between clubs and primary and secondary schools.

- Working with clubs to increase the number of junior hockey sessions being provided.

- Delivering a quality programme of competitions that meet the needs of players, schools and clubs.

- Developing an ability-based pathway for children aged 5-12 for adoption in clubs, schools and youth organisations. 157

 Informal hockey: The numbers of adults and young people playing informal hockey will be increased by:

- Setting up opportunities to play Quicksticks in community sites.

- Increasing the opportunities to play Rush Hockey at schools, colleges, universities, clubs and community sites.

- Increasing the opportunity for women to take part in Back to Hockey sessions at clubs and community sites.

National Hockey Facilities Strategy

5.4 England Hockey’s ‘Facilities Strategy’ (2016) contains the following key elements:

 Vision: For every hockey club in England to have appropriate and sustainable facilities that provide excellent experiences for players.

 Mission: More, Better, Happier Players with access to appropriate and sustainable facilities.

 Objectives: The objectives are as follows:

- Protect - To conserve the existing hockey provision: There are currently over 800 pitches that are used by hockey clubs (club, school, universities.) The current provision must be retained where appropriate, to ensure that hockey is maintained across the country.

- Improve - To improve the existing facilities stock (physically and administratively): The current facilities stock is ageing and there needs to be strategic investment into refurbishing the pitches and ancillary facilities. There needs to more support for clubs to obtain better agreements with facilities providers and education around owning an asset.

- Develop - To strategically build new hockey facilities where there is an identified need and ability to deliver and maintain: The research has identified key areas across the country where there is a lack of suitable Hockey provision and there is a need for additional pitches. There is an identified demand for multi pitches in the right places to consolidate hockey and allow clubs to have all their provision catered for at one site.

Pitch strategies in neighbouring areas

5.5 Consultation with neighbouring local authorities identified the following key issues in relation to East Herts:

158

 Harlow: Harlow is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Sawbridgeworth sub-area. Accessibility towards Hertford is good via the A414 but links to Sawbridgeworth via the A1184 are slower. Harlow District Council is currently reviewing its playing pitch strategy but the emerging findings identify that there is exported demand from Harlow to East Herts, with Harlow Hockey Club using the sand-filled artificial turf pitch at Leventhorpe Academy as its home base, in the absence of a specialist facility within Harlow.

 Epping Forest: Epping Forest district is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Sawbridgeworth sub-areas. Accessibility is generally via minor roads so is relatively limited. The ‘Epping Forest Open Space, Sport and Recreation Assessment’ (2012) is currently being updated by the council but pending the emergence of detailed findings, dialogue with England Hockey has identified that existing provision is adequate to meet current needs.

 Broxbourne: Broxbourne is located to the south of East Herts and therefore borders the Hertford and Ware sub-area. Accessibility is generally very good via the A10 corridor. The ‘Broxbourne Leisure Facilities Strategy: Outdoor Facilities’ (2013) has been adopted by the council and identifies that existing pitch capacity can meet all current and future needs. However, it also notes that there is significant imported demand from neighbouring areas, including East Herts.

 Welwyn Hatfield: Welwyn Hatfield is located to the south-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Watton-at-Stone sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A414 provides connections to Hertford. The ‘Welwyn Hatfield Sports Facilities Strategy: A Vision to 2026’ (2010) is considered by Sport England to be out of date, but dialogue with England Hockey identified that existing pitch capacity can meet current needs in the district, but there is significant exported demand from Hertford Hockey Club teams to use pitches in Welwyn Hatfield district.

159

 North Hertfordshire: North Hertfordshire is located to the north and north-east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, via minor roads, although the A507 provides connections to Baldock and the A10 to Royston. The ‘North Hertfordshire Playing Pitch Strategy’ (2015) has been adopted by the council and identifies that there is a current shortfall of three artificial turf hockey pitches, although there are active proposals to provide two additional facilities. There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

 Stevenage: Stevenage is located to the east of East Herts and therefore borders the Buntingford sub-area. Accessibility is generally limited, although the A602 provides connections to Watton-at-Stone. The ‘Stevenage Sports Facilities Assessment and Strategy’ (2014) has been adopted by the council and identifies that the two existing artificial hockey pitches in the borough will be sufficient to accommodate all current and future demand to 2031. There is no evidence of any exported demand to East Herts, or vice versa.

The implications for East Herts

5.6 The implications of the strategic context for hockey in East Herts are as follows:

 Policy shifts: The move in national sports policy towards prioritising new participants will create a challenge for hockey to demonstrate that it can attract new and lapsed participants. Recent innovations such as Rush Hockey and Quick Sticks might prove more attractive than the more traditional model.

 Neighbouring areas: There is no effective spare hockey pitch capacity in two neighbouring areas.

Hockey pitch demand

Introduction

5.7 This section summarises the demand for hockey in East Herts and covers:

 Expressed demand.

 Displaced demand.

 Unmet demand.

 Latent demand.

 Demand trends.

 The views of stakeholders on hockey demand.

160

Expressed demand

5.8 Expressed demand for hockey in East Herts is as follows:

Figure 209: Hockey club and teams in East Herts

Age group and gender Bishop’s Stortford HC Hertford HC No. Teams No. Members No. Teams No. Members Adult males 6 110 5 69 Adult females 5 70 6 79 Junior males 4 58 2 66 Junior females 6 100 4 76 Mixed mini 8 50 6 83 TOTALS 29 388 24 373

5.9 Because hockey clubs typically draw their membership form a wider catchment than football and cricket, a more balanced assessment of geographical variations across the district can be made by combining some sub-areas. The results are tabulated below:

Figure 210: Hockey club and teams by grouped sub-area in East Herts

Age group Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford and Ware, Sawbridgeworth Buntingford and Watton-at-Stone Adult males 6 5 Adult females 5 6 Junior males 4 2 Junior females 6 4 Mixed mini 8 6

Pitch usage

5.10 The sand-filled artificial turf pitch usage by the two clubs in East Herts is below:

Figure 211: Hockey pitch usage by clubs in East Herts

Club Facility Hours of use per week Bishop’s Stortford HC Hockerill Anglo-European College 25 Bishop’s Stortford College 3 Hertford Hockey Club Simon Balle School 12 Sir Frederick Osbourne School 10 TOTALS - 50

161

Displaced demand

5.11 Displaced demand relates to play by teams or other users of playing pitches from within the study area which takes place outside of the area. Displaced demand for hockey in East Herts at present is as follows.

 Hertford Hockey Club: All the club’s junior activity is currently based at Sir Frederick Osbourne School in Welwyn Garden City, which involves about 10 hours of use per week. The club would, prefer to meet this demand within East Herts.

 Harlow Hockey Club: Harlow Hockey Club is currently based at the sand-filled pitch at Leventhorpe Academy in Sawbridgeworth, which is uses for about 4.5 hours of use per week. The Club would prefer to meet this demand in Harlow.

Unmet demand

5.12 Unmet demand takes a number of forms:

 Teams may have access to a pitch for their matches but nowhere to train or vice versa.

 Pitches of a particular size or type may be unavailable to the community.

 The poor quality and consequent limited capacity of pitches in the area and/or a lack of provision and ancillary facilities which meet a certain standard of play/league requirement.

5.13 Both clubs in East Herts have identified that if more pitch time was available, there is unmet demand for one additional adult men’s team, one adult women’s team, one junior male team and one junior female team. The extra pitch time requirements are as follows:

 Additional 10 hours a week for junior training and matches.

 Additional 2 hours a week for disability hockey.

 Additional 5 hours a week for adult hockey.

Latent demand

5.14 Latent demand is demand that evidence suggests may be generated from the current population should they have access to more or better provision. Both clubs in East Herts have identified that following the success of the women’s hockey team at the 2016 Olympic Games, there is latent demand locally for at least two adult women’s teams and four junior girl’s teams.

162

Demand trends

5.15 Local and national demand trends in East Herts indicate the following:

 Active People Survey: Based upon the national results of Sport England’s ‘Active People’ survey, adult (16+) participation in hockey has fluctuated over the period since 2005 as follows, but currently shows a small fall:

Figure 212: National hockey participation rates

2005/6 2007/8 2008/9 2009/10 2010/1 2011/2 2012/3 2013/4 2014/5 2015/6 % Change 0.23% 0.23% 0.24% 0.23% 0.21% 0.19% 0.25% 0.20% 0.20% 0.20% -0.03%

 National participation data: National affiliation data for hockey club members provided by England Hockey reveals a different picture from the ‘Active People’ survey, recording successive increases in the period since 2010 as follows:

Figure 213: National hockey affiliation data

Year No. players Annual % increase 2010/11 102,313 - 2011/12 106,665 4.3% 2012/13 114,642 7.5% 2013/14 113,575 -0.9% 2014/15 120,404 6.0% 2105/16 129,857 7.9%

 Local membership trends: Membership trends at both local clubs over the past six years have been as follows. The figures show some annual fluctuations but there is growth of 4.2% since 2010/11. Evidence from the local clubs suggests that the main factor inhibiting growth is a lack of available pitch time:

Figure 214: Local hockey participation trends in East Herts

Club 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16 Bishop’s Stortford HC 479 328 374 424 431 388 Hertford HC 251 251 260 321 340 373 TOTALS 730 579 634 745 771 761

 Future trends: Both clubs expect to increase their membership over the next three years, by a collective total of at least four teams.

163

The views of stakeholders

5.16 Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club: Consultation with Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club identified the following issues.

 Membership trends: The club currently fields six adult men’s teams, five adult women’s teams, one mixed adult team and 21 junior teams. It has 388 members in total. The number of junior sides in each age group has been increased over the past three years to enable more junior members the opportunity to play in competitive hockey in addition to training. However, the men’s section reduced from 6 Saturday sides to 5 in 2015/16.

 Membership catchment: 90% of the club’s membership is drawn from within East Herts, so there is relatively little imported demand.

 Future trends: The club hopes to expand over the next three years, by adding one adult men’s team, one adult women’s team and an unspecified number of junior teams dependent upon access to additional facilities.

 Hockey development proposals: The club has an active hockey development programme which includes the following:

- Primary School coaching for interested primary schools in the area building on a session run at the Birchwood Games.

- A Satellite Club, supported by England Hockey and Herts Sports Partnership to provide weekly sessions after school at Birchwood High School for 13-17 year olds who may not come initially to a club.

- Guest coaching sessions involving prominent players and coaches.

- Back to Hockey sessions during the summer to attract lapsed players, interested parents, those transferring from other sports and any other interested people. The club would like to run these throughout the season too but are limited by pitch availability.

- ‘Club Fun Days are run as part of the national ‘Hockeyfest’ initiative, we hold a very successful annual fun day in September, together with several smaller events in the course of the year’.

- Membership Incentives, including free subscriptions for recent graduates and half-priced subscriptions for new members.

- The club maintains an active social media presence.

5.17 Hertford Hockey Club: Consultation with Hertford Hockey Club identified the following issues.

164

 Membership trends: The club currently fields five adult men’s teams, six adult women’s teams and 13 junior teams. It has 373 members in total. Membership has increased by 44% in the past five years, with the main expansion to adult teams.

 Membership catchment: 90% of the club’s membership is drawn from within East Herts, so there is relatively little imported demand.

 Future trends: The club has aspirations to increase its membership over the next three years, by adding one junior boys’ team and one junior girls’ team.

 Hockey development proposals: The club is currently organising ‘Back to Hockey’ sessions for adults, developing links with the schools whose pitches it uses and building links with Hertfordshire University.

The implications for hockey in East Herts

5.18 Analysis of local demand for hockey in East Herts indicates that:

 Growth trends: Membership has collectively increased by more than 4% since 2010/11. Although further expansion has been inhibited by a shortage of available pitch capacity.

 Displaced demand: Some demand is exported from the district to Welwyn Hatfield and some is imported from Harlow.

 Unmet demand: Unmet demand is equivalent to a total to one extra adult male team, one adult female team, one junior male team and one junior female team.

 Latent demand: Latent demand based upon information supplied by local clubs is equivalent to two adult female teams and four junior female teams.

5.19 The table below summarises the above figures for the purposes of calculating team equivalents in East Herts:

Figure 215: Effective hockey team numbers in East Herts

Age group Expressed Unmet Latent Total demand demand demand demand Adult male teams 11 1 0 12 Adult female teams 11 1 2 14 Junior male teams 6 1 0 7 Junior female teams 10 1 4 15 Mini teams 14 0 0 14

165

Hockey pitch supply

Introduction

5.20 This section summarises the supply of hockey pitches in East Herts and covers:

 Pitch quantity.

 Pitch quality.

 Pitch maintenance.

 Ownership, management and security of access.

 The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply.

Hockey pitches

5.21 The synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts, all of which are on education sites, are as follows:

Figure 216: Synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts

Site Address Surface Year Built/ re-surfaced Bishop’s Stortford College Maze Green Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2PJ Sand-filled 2016 Bishop’s Stortford College Maze Green Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2PJ Sand-dressed 2012 Haileybury Sports Complex Haileybury College, Hertford SG13 7NU Sand-filled 2013 Haileybury Sports Complex Haileybury College, Hertford SG13 7NU Sand-filled 2005 Hockerill College  Dunmow Road, Bishop's Stortford CM23 5HX Sand-filled 2016 Leventhorpe Academy Cambridge Road, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9BY Sand-dressed 2011 Simon Balle School  Mangrove Road, Hertford SG13 8AJ Sand-filled 2012 St. Edmund’s College Old Hall Green, Ware SG11 1DS Sand-filled 2001

5.22 The availability for community use of pitches used for hockey in East Herts is below:

Figure 217: Availability of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts

Site Peak availability Hockey use Football use Unused Bishop’s Stortford College 3 hours per week 3 hours No use No use Bishop’s Stortford College No public access No use No use No use Haileybury Sports Complex 25 hours per week No use 18 hours 7 hours Haileybury Sports Complex 25 hours per week No use 18 hours 7 hours Hockerill College 34 hours per week 25 hours 9 hours 0 hours Leventhorpe Academy 25 hours per week 4.5 hours 16 hours 4.5 hours Simon Balle School 30 hours per week 12 hours 13 hours 0 hours St. Edmund’s College No public access No use No use No use TOTALS 137 hours 44.5 hours 74 hours 18.5 hours

166

Pitch quality

5.23 The quality of the synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts involved site visits to undertake the non-technical visual inspection produced by England Hockey for Sport England’s ‘Playing Pitch Strategy Guidance’ (2013). The assessment generates an overall ‘score’ for each pitch by evaluating the condition of the playing surface, fencing, floodlighting, disability access and changing provision. The percentage scores generated equate to ratings of ‘Good’ for scores of 80% or more (highlighted in green) ‘Standard’ for scores of 79% - 51% (highlighted in yellow).

Figure 218: Quality of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts

Site Rating Comments Bishop’s Stortford College (older pitch) Good Good quality pitch, with adjacent changing. Bishop’s Stortford College (newer pitch) Good Good quality surface, no adjacent changing. Haileybury Sports Complex (older pitch) Standard Pitch surface shows wear. Haileybury Sports Complex (newer pitch) Good Good quality surface. Hockerill College Good Good quality pitch recently re-furbished. Leventhorpe Academy Good Good quality pitch with adjacent changing. Simon Balle School Good Good quality pitch. St. Edmund’s College Standard Pitch surface shows wear, no adjacent changing facilities.

Pitch Maintenance

5.24 In all cases, the schools who own the pitches employ groundstaff to maintain them, with periodic specialist maintenance being carried out by specialist contractors.

Ownership management and security of access

5.25 The ownership, management and security of access of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts are as follows:

Figure 219: Ownership, management and security of access of hockey pitches in East Herts

Site Ownership Management Security of Access Bishop’s Stortford College Bishop’s Stortford Bishop’s Stortford Unsecured College College Haileybury Sports Complex Haileybury College Haileybury College Unsecured Hockerill Anglo-American Hockerill Sports Hockerill Sports Secured College Trust Trust Leventhorpe Academy Leventhorpe Nuffield Health and Secured Academy Fitness Simon Balle School Simon Balle School Simon Balle School Unsecured St. Edmund’s College St. Edmund’s St. Edmund’s Unsecured College College

167

The views of local stakeholders on pitch supply

5.26 England Hockey: Consultation with England Hockey’s Relationship Manager for the east of England, identified the following issues:

 Hertford Hockey Club’s clubhouse is located next to Simon Balle School in Hertford, where the club is primary user of the sand-filled artificial turf pitch at the school. Pavilion facilities are shared with Hertford Cricket Club. The club also uses several pitches outside East Herts, including regular use at Sir Frederick Osbourne School and occasional use of Queenswood School (Welwyn Garden City) and Haileybury Turnford School (Broxbourne). The sand-filled artificial turf pitch that the club formerly used at Wodson Park in Ware was recently converted to a ‘3G’ surface and was therefore lost to hockey use.

 Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club shares the clubhouse at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust with local cricket, tennis and squash clubs. It uses sand-filled pitches on school sites in the town at Hockerill Anglo-European College and Bishop’s Stortford College. The club recently secured planning permission to provide one full-sized and one small-sided sand-filled artificial pitch at the Sports Trust site.

5.27 Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club: Consultation with the Club identified the following issues.

 Facilities provision: The club uses the sand-filled artificial turf hockey pitch at Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford, which is owned by the Hockerill Sports Trust in which the club and school are equal partners. The clubhouse is at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust, which is shared with local cricket, tennis and squash clubs.

- The club uses the pitch for a total of 25 hours per week. The club notes that the pitch is ‘housed in a seven-day a week [boarding] school which creates some tensions relating to safety of the pupils and restrictions around social events and parking’.

- Some junior activity is also accommodated at Bishop’s Stortford College, which is only available on Sunday mornings. which involves about 3 hours of use per week.

- The club states that ‘due to lack of lettable pitches [in Bishop’s Stortford] we have started to look further afield for additional pitches such as Dunmow and Sawbridgeworth’.

- The club has identified the need for an additional 10 hours per week of pitch time for junior training and matches, two hours per week for disability hockey and five hours per week for adult hockey.

168

 Facilities aspirations: The club’s current facilities are in good condition, with the Hockerill pitch re-surfaced in 2015. However, the club had plans to develop a full-sized pitch and a small-sided practice pitch at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site, to be co-located with the clubhouse. The club was awarded £500,000 from Sport England’s Improvement Fund Grant, but was unable to claim the grant because the lack of agreement between a development consortium and the land owners, which precluded the Sports Trust from gaining ownership of the land for the proposed facilities. The club commented that:

- ‘The absence of a co-located clubhouse and playing facility along with the capacity issues relating to available hockey-compliant all-weather pitches, means that the potential for growing the membership and number of teams within the club is currently limited’. - ‘In recent seasons, the ability to rent additional capacity on suitable pitches at the times required (particularly on a Saturday and Sunday morning) has become harder, in terms of the availability at either Leventhorpe or Bishop’s Stortford College’.

 Alternative proposals: Herts and Essex High School in Bishop’s Stortford is developing proposals for a new sports complex at Beldam’s Lane, which includes provision for a sand-filled artificial turf pitch. If provided, this will provide an alternative option to the proposed development at the Sports Trust site.

5.28 Hertford Hockey Club: Consultation with the Club identified the following issues.

 Facilities provision: The club hires the sand-filled artificial turf hockey pitch at Simon Balle School in Hertford for a total of 12 hours per week. It pays £20,000 per annum for this and the rental agreement with the school runs to 2019. Junior activity is mostly accommodated at Sir Frederick Osbourne School in Welwyn Garden City, which involves about 10 hours of use per week.

 Facilities aspirations: The club’s current facilities are generally in good condition, but the club has aspirations to develop a clubhouse overlooking a pitch or pitches, with other facilities such as tennis courts, squash courts and a cricket pitch.

Geographical distribution

5.29 The geographical spread of artificial turf pitches for hockey shows that only two small rural areas are beyond 20-minute’s drive time of the nearest pitch.

169

Figure 220: Geographical coverage of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts

170

The implications for hockey in East Herts

5.30 Analysis of the supply of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts indicates that:

 Pitch quantity: There are eight full-sized synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in the district, although only four are used by clubs from within the district, with one more being used by Harlow Hockey Club.

 Pitch availability: There is a total of 137 hours per week of community access to synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts. Hockey usage accounts for 44.5 hours per week (32.5% of the total available time), football usage for 74 hours (54.0%) whilst 18.5 hours (13.5% is unused). Of the eight pitches in the district, two have no community access and one further pitch has only three hours of week per use. Six of the pitches are on boarding school sites which places some limitations on availability and use.

 Pitch quality: The quality of all pitches is at least ‘standard’.

 Security of tenure: All the pitches are on education sites and only two have formal community use agreements. Hertford Hockey Club’s hire agreement with Simon Balle School is due to expire in 2019.

Assessment of current needs

5.31 The methodology for assessing the need for artificial grass pitches for hockey involves assessing information from three sources:

 The actual used capacity of artificial turf pitches is based upon their hours of use in the peak period supplied by the pitch operators.

 An assessment of the additional displaced, unmet and latent demand, that is not currently reflected in the actual used capacity.

 An assessment of the results of Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model National Facilities Audit ‘run’ for artificial turf pitches in East Herts.

5.32 Actual used capacity: In line with England Hockey guidance, pitch capacity is expressed in hours of peak time availability. Demand and the resultant balance are expressed as peak time usage.

 Pitches outside the district but used by East Herts clubs are shown in italics.

 Usage by football teams is also shown, although this demand is also influenced by the shortage of ‘3G’ football turf pitches in East Herts, which is the preferred surface for football.

171

Figure 221: Supply-demand balance of synthetic turf pitches used for hockey in East Herts

Site Users Peak capacity Peak demand Peak balance Bishop’s Stortford College Bishop’s Stortford HC 3.0 3.0 Balanced Bishop’s Stortford College No public access 0 0 Balanced Haileybury Sports Complex Football use only 25.0 18.0 +7.0 Haileybury Sports Complex Football use only 25.0 18.0 +7.0 Hockerill College Bishop’s Stortford HC 34.0 25.0 Balanced Football use 9.0 Leventhorpe Academy Harlow HC 25.0 4.5 +4.5 Football use 16.0 Simon Balle School Hertford HC 25.0 12.0 Balanced Football use 13.0 St. Edmund’s College No public access 0 0 Balanced Sir Frederick Osbourne School Hertford HC 10.0 10.0 Balanced

5.33 Additional demand: The additional displaced, unmet and latent demand, that is not currently reflected in the actual used capacity above is as follows:

 Displaced demand: 10.0 hours per week of junior play by Hertford HC is currently displaced to Welwyn Hatfield, but the club’s preference would be to accommodate this in Hertford instead. 4.5 hours per week of hockey demand is imported from Harlow HC to the Leventhorpe pitch, although the club’s preference would be to accommodate this within Harlow instead. The net displaced demand is therefore currently 5.5 hours per week.

 Unmet demand: The local clubs have identified that there is unmet demand for one additional adult men’s team, one adult women’s team, one junior male team and one junior female team. The related pitch time requirements amount to 17 hours of pitch time per week.

 Latent demand: The local clubs have identified that there is latent demand locally for at least two adult women’s teams and four junior girl’s teams. The related pitch time requirements amount to 18 hours of pitch time per week.

5.34 Facilities Planning Model: Sport England’s Facilities Planning Model (FPM) comprises a spatial assessment of artificial grass pitch provision based on the nature of demand within an area and the available supply, taking into account issues such as capacity (hours of availability in the peak period) and accessibility. The key findings for artificial grass pitches in East Herts for the National Facilities Audit ‘run’ of the FPM in 2016 were as follows:

 The FPM includes 7 artificial grass pitches for hockey in East Herts, although this figure excludes the second pitch at Haileybury and includes as fully available (with 32 hours per week of peak-time availability) the pitches at Bishop’s Stortford College and St. Edmund’s College that collectively have only three hours of community use per week. 172

 The FPM calculates that satisfied demand is relatively high at 83%, and that only 14% of demand from within East Herts is exported to other areas.

 Unmet demand is assessed as only 17% of total demand, which is equivalent to only 0.15 pitches.

 Used capacity is assumed at 100% and all individual facilities are operating at 100% utilised capacity at peak times. 63% of used capacity is imported from other areas.

 Local share is a measure of which areas have a better or worse share of facility provision when compared against a national average figure which is set at 100. East Herts has a local share of 123, which means that provision is 23% better than the national average.

 Aggregated unmet demand is highest in the A10 corridor around Hertford and Ware.

 The FPM concluded existing artificial turf pitches for hockey are at capacity but there is a need for only 0.15 additional pitches to meet unmet demand.

5.35 Analysis: The three measures of the adequacy of artificial grass hockey pitch provision in East Herts can be interpreted as follows:

 Used capacity: Actual usage data shows that collective peak capacity in East Herts is 139 hours per week, compared with an assumed 104 hours in the FPM modelling. However, there is 18.5 hours of spare capacity (equivalent to 0.74 pitches), suggesting that actual utilisation rates are 86.5% rather than the 100% assumed in the FPM.

 Displaced demand: Based upon actual usage data, 20% of East Herts demand (10 hours per week) is currently exported to neighbouring areas, rather than the 14% calculated by the FPM. Based upon a 25 hour per week peak period, this equates to 0.4 artificial grass pitches.

 Unmet demand: The responses to the clubs’ survey indicate that there is 17 hours of unmet peak demand in East Herts. Based upon a 25 hour per week peak period, this equates to 0.68 artificial grass pitches.

 Latent demand: The responses to the clubs’ survey indicate that there is 18 hours of unmet latent demand in East Herts. Based upon a 25 hour per week peak period, this equates to 0.72 artificial grass pitches.

 Assessed deficiency: Taking account of expressed, displaced, unmet and latent demand, there is a districtwide deficit of 1.8 artificial grass pitches for hockey. When offset against existing spare capacity equivalent to 0.74 pitches, this leave a net figure of 1.06 pitches.

173

Sub-area analysis

5.36 The analysis of the current supply-demand balance in terms of hours of peak use (including displaced, unmet and latent demand, that is not currently reflected in the actual used capacity) by sub-areas is as follows:

Figure 222: Effective supply-demand balance of hockey pitches by sub-area in East Herts

Site Peak Peak demand Peak balance Pitch capacity equivalent Bishop’s Stortford and Sawbridgeworth 62.0 hours 76.5 hours -14.5 hours -0.58 Hertford and Ware Buntingford and Watton-at-Stone 75.0 hours 87.0 hours -12 hours -0.48 East Herts 137 hours 163.5 hours -26.5 hours -1.06

5.37 The sub-area analysis shows that the districtwide deficiency of 1.06 pitches is split fairly evenly between the two sub-areas, with a shortfall of around half a pitch in each area.

5.38 The key findings are:

 Pitch availability: Six of the pitches are on boarding school sites which places some limitations on availability and use.

 Pitch quality: The quality of all pitches is at least ‘standard’.

 Security of tenure: All the pitches are on education sites and only one has any security of tenure. Hertford Hockey Club’s hire agreement with Simon Balle School is due to expire in 2019.

Assessment of future needs

Population growth

5.39 Population growth to the end 2033 has been projected based upon housing supply targets. The population figures are as follows:

174

Figure 223: Population projections in East Herts to 2033

Population 2021 Population 2026 Population 2033 152,525 158,730 179,558

Location of growth

5.40 Housing targets and related population growth in each hockey sub-area are projected as follows, based upon an average of 2.32 residents per dwelling:

Figure 224: Housing targets and population projections in East Herts to 2033

Sub-area Housing target to 2033 Extra Population 2033 Total Population 2033 Bishop’s Stortford 7,693 17,848 77,858 and Sawbridgeworth Hertford and Ware, 5,000 11,600 101,700 Buntingford and Watton-at-Stone East Herts 12,693 29,448 179,558

Potential changes in demand

5.41 In addition to the growth in population, potential increases in participation need to be factored in. estimates the demand which might arise from the new developments. Two alternative scenarios have therefore been considered, a 0% increase in participation and 0.5% increase in participation.

Site-specific pressures

5.42 The security of tenure issue at Hertford Hockey Club where the existing usage agreement with Simon Balle School expires in 2019.

Potential changes in supply

5.43 The following potential additions to current pitch provision are both at the planning stages and it is likely that only the latter option will be developed:

 Bishop’s Stortford Hockey Club achieved planning permission for one full-sized and one small-sided synthetic turf pitch for hockey at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site, but has been unable to progress the project.

 Herts and Essex High School is currently developing plans for a range of sports facilities at Beldham’s Lane in Bishop’s Stortford, which include an artificial turf pitch for hockey.

175

Existing spare capacity

5.44 There is a current peak time deficit (including displaced, unmet and latent demand) of 26.5 hours in East Herts at present, fairly evenly spread between the two hockey sub-areas. There may be scope for expanded use if proposed additional ‘3G’ football turf pitch provision is able to accommodate some of the current 74 peak time hours of football use of sand-filled synthetic turf pitches in the district.

Future hockey pitch needs

5.45 Future hockey pitch needs based on projected population increases are modelled below using ‘Team Generation Rates’ (TGRs), which identify how many people in a specified age group in the district are required to generate one team (including teams representing latent and unmet demand - see section 5.19). These are then applied to projected changes in population to identify the likely number of teams in the future. The population projections are based on the demographic profile typical of new housing developments, with a higher proportion of younger people.

5.46 The application of TGRs to projected population in each of the grouped sub-areas in East Herts in 2033 produces the following results. The population figures include the residents of new housing in East Herts elements of the Sustainable Urban Extensions detailed in Part I of the study:

Figure 225: Extra hockey teams in Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and surrounds to 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult males 6 9,747 1: 1,625 13,314 8 2 Adult females 6 9,975 1: 1,663 13,625 8 2 Junior males 4 1,989 1: 497 2,717 5 1 Junior females 8 1,864 1: 233 2,546 11 3 Mini/Midi 8 4,056 1: 507 5,540 11 3

Figure 226: Extra hockey teams in Hertford and Ware, Buntingford and Watton-at- Stone and surrounds to 2033

Age group Current Current TGR Future Future Extra teams population population teams teams Adult males 6 15,407 1: 2,568 17,591 7 1 Adult females 8 15,768 1: 1,971 17,658 9 1 Junior males 3 3,144 1: 1,048 3,550 3 0 Junior females 7 2,846 1: 316 3,325 11 4 Mini/Midi 6 6,411 1: 1,069 7,490 7 1

176

5.47 In addition to increased demand based upon population growth, the effects of projected increases in participation of 0.5% per annum are modelled below. When added to population growth, the effects on team numbers are as follows:

Figure 227: Extra hockey teams based on participation increases to 2033

Age group Bishop’s Stortford and Hertford and Ware, Buntingford Sawbridgeworth and Watton-at-Stone Adult males 9 7 Adult females 9 10 Junior males 5 3 Junior females 12 12 Mini/Midi 12 7

5.48 The impact of the combined effects of increased population and increased participation demand for hockey pitches in East Herts is projected as follows:

 One team has a requirement for 3.0 hours of peak time use per week.

 3.0 hours of peak time use per week is equivalent to 0.12 of a pitch.

Figure 228: Additional hockey pitch needs in East Herts to 2033

Sub-area Current Total teams with Total teams with population Extra pitch teams population growth but no and 0.5% annual participation needs participation growth growth Bishop’s Stortford 32 43 47 1.8 and Sawbridgeworth Hertford and Ware, 30 37 39 1.08 Buntingford and Watton-at-Stone East Herts 62 80 86 2.88

Key findings and issues

What are the main characteristics of current supply and demand?

5.49 The key characteristics of current supply and demand for hockey in East Herts are as follows:

177

 Pitch quality: The quality of all pitches is at least ‘standard’.

 Security of tenure: All the pitches are on education sites and only one has any security of tenure. Hertford Hockey Club’s hire agreement with Simon Balle School is due to expire in 2019.

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet current demand?

5.50 Taking account of expressed, displaced, unmet and latent demand, there is a districtwide deficit of 1.8 artificial grass pitches for hockey. When offset against existing spare capacity equivalent to 0.74 pitches, this leave a net figure of 1.06 pitches. Only 59 of the 137 hours of peak pitch time are at secured sites at present.

Is the accessible provision of suitable quality and appropriately maintained?

5.51 All the pitches are at least ‘standard’ quality and all are well-maintained.

What are the main characteristics of future supply and demand?

5.52 The main characteristics of future supply and demand are as follows:

 Population growth: The population of East Herts is estimated to be 179,558 by 2033. This represents an increase of 17.1% in the period. The effects of this in terms of additional hockey team generation are as follows:

Figure 229: Extra hockey teams based on population growth in East Herts by 2033

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 15 3 Adult females 17 3 Junior males 8 1 Junior females 22 8 Mini/Midi 18 4

178

Figure 230: Extra hockey teams based on participation growth in East Herts by 2033

Age group Future teams Extra teams Adult males 16 1 Adult females 19 2 Junior males 8 0 Junior females 24 2 Mini/Midi 19 1

 Changes in supply: Hertford Hockey Club’s hire agreement with Simon Balle School is due to expire in 2019. There are two current options for additional pitch provision in Bishop’s Stortford, either at the Sports Trust site or Beldham’s Lane.

 Spare capacity: Taking account of expressed, displaced, unmet and latent demand, there is a districtwide deficit of 1.8 artificial grass pitches for hockey. When offset against existing spare capacity equivalent to 0.74 pitches, this leave a net figure of 1.06 pitches.  Future pitch needs: An extra 24 teams will collectively require 72 hours of peak time access per week, which is equivalent to 2.88 additional pitches

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet future demand?

5.53 The situation at community accessible pitches is as follows:

Figure 231: Additional hockey pitch capacity needs in East Herts by 2033

Current Current secured Current Extra peak Total peak Additional peak peak spare peak needs needs by needs by capacity needs capacity capacity 2033 2033 137 hours -26.5 hours 163.5 hours 72 hours 235.5 hours 98.5 hours

Is there enough accessible and secured use to meet future demand?

5.54 There is insufficient accessible pitch time to meet future needs, with the shortfall of 98.5 hours equivalent to 3.04 of a pitch. Only 59 of the 137 hours of peak pitch time are at secured sites.

The options for securing additional accessible and secured pitch capacity

5.55 The options for securing hockey provision are as follows:

 Protect: Protecting the existing pitches through the Local Plan will be key to maintaining the current stock. Resolving the Hertford HC’s usage agreement with Simon Balle School will be important to secure continued usage.

179

 Provide: There are several options for new provision:

- Bishop’s Stortford: There are two options for the provision of a new pitch in Bishop’s Stortford, either at the Bishop’s Stortford Sports Trust site or more likely at Beldam’s Lane.

- Hertford: The provision of the new ‘3G’ football turf pitch at Richard Hale School in Hertford should free up additional peak capacity at the Simon Balle School pitch for hockey usage, although the current 13 hours of football use is only slightly more than the 10 hours of demand currently exported by Hertford HC. Efforts should therefore be made to identify a location for a second pitch in the vicinity.

 Enhance: The operators of all pitches should be encouraged to make financial provision for the replacement of the current carpet, to ensure that there is no threat to its replacement once the surface is worn out.

Policy recommendations

5.56 The recommendations in relation to hockey are made in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) paragraph 74, which stipulates that existing open space including playing pitches, should not be built upon unless:

 An assessment has taken place which has clearly shown the open space to be surplus to requirements, or;

 The loss resulting from the proposed development would be replaced by equivalent or better provision in terms of quantity and quality, in a suitable location, or;

 The development is for alternative sport and recreation provision, the needs for which clearly outweighs the loss.

5.57 The following recommendations are arranged under the three main headings of ‘protect’, ‘enhance’ and ‘provide’.

5.58 Protect:

 Recommendation 1 - Safeguarding existing provision: The East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy comprises a robust and evidence-based assessment of current and future needs for hockey in the district. The Strategy has identified a need for all current hockey pitch sites to be retained, on the basis of the specific identified roles that each can play in delivering the needs of the sport in East Herts both now and in the future. It is therefore recommended that existing planning policies continue to support the retention of all sites, based upon the evidence in the Playing Pitch Strategy.

180

 Recommendation 2 - Community access to education facilities: There are three hockey pitches on school sites with very limited or no community access. These represent an opportunity to develop community usage, given the waiting lists being operated by several clubs at present.

- Efforts are made to secure community use agreements at existing education pitches, in particular Haileybury College, where additional artificial grass pitch capacity may be created if current football use moves to the proposed ‘3G’ football turf pitches at the site.

5.59 Enhance:

 Recommendation 3 - Pitch resurfacing: All the hockey pitches in East Herts are currently rated as ‘good’ or ‘standard’ based in surface quality. However, the pitch carpets need periodic replacement to maintain quality, so it is recommended that all pitch providers make appropriate financial provision to enable resurfacing to be carried out when needed.

5.60 Provide:

 Recommendation 4 - New hockey facilities provision: New hockey facilities provision will be needed to meet some of the needs of the increased population of East Herts. In particular

- The provision of a new pitch at Herts and Essex High School in Bishop’s Stortford.

- The provision of a second pitch in Hertford.

 Recommendation 5 - Developer contributions (new provision): Most of the additional demand for hockey arising from the proposed housing development in East Herts, will need to be accommodated through the provision of new pitches and facilities. It is recommended that the site-specific action plan in the East Herts Playing Pitch Strategy be used as the basis for determining which proposed new facilities demonstrably relate to the scale and location of specific developments and that an appropriate level of financial contributions be sought under Section 106 or CIL arrangements, using Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator tool, to cover their capital and revenue cost implications. To facilitate this, playing pitches should be listed as ‘relevant infrastructure’, under CIL Regulation 123 unless the Council considers it unlikely that CIL receipts would extend to delivering playing pitch projects, in which case they should be excluded and secured through planning obligations, having regard to the pooling restrictions.

181

Action plan

5.61 In the context of the recommendations above, the tables below set out the hockey action plan by sub area to guide the implementation of the strategy. The abbreviations stand for EHC - East Herts Council and EH - England Hockey. The capital cost estimates are based upon Sport England’s ‘Facility Costs - Second Quarter of 2016’ (2016).

Figure 232: Hockey action plan in East Herts

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Bishop’s  Shortage of pitch  Pursue proposals Herts and Bishop’s £760,000 for High Stortford HC capacity. for an artificial Essex High Stortford HC the pitch  Co-located turf pitch at School EHC £500,000 for clubhouse Herts and Essex EH the clubhouse needed. High School.  Explore potential for providing a clubhouse at the new pitch. Hertford HC Shortage of pitch  Feasibility study Hertford HC EHC £10,000 for High capacity. to identify a site EH feasibility for an artificial study turf pitch. £760,000 for  Provide an the pitch artificial turf pitch. Bishop’s 3,250 new homes Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High Stortford to be built by contributions for BSHC North 2033. extra capacity at BSHC Bishop’s 900 new homes to Secure developer EHC Developers TBC High Stortford be built by 2033. contributions for BSHC South extra capacity at BSHC East of 600 new homes to Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC Medium Stevenage be built east of securing developer Stevenage development Stevenage. contributions to HC enhance capacity at Stevenage HC. Ware North 1,000 - 1,500 new Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC High development homes to be built securing developer Hertford north of Ware. contributions to HC enhance capacity at Hertford HC.

182

Site Issues Action Lead Partners Resources Priority Gilston 3,050 new homes Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC High Garden to be built in securing Harlow HC Town Gilston by 2033 developer Harlow contributions for: Council  A pitch at the proposed leisure centre/ secondary school.  Re-instating the hockey pitch at the former Passmores School site in Harlow. East of 1,350 new homes Meet needs by EHC Developers TBC Medium Welwyn to be built east of securing developer Welwyn HC Garden City Welwyn Garden contributions to development City. enhance pitch capacity at Welwyn HC Haileybury Potential to access Investigate access Hertford HC - TBC Medium College additional pitch to pitch at capacity. Haileybury College

183

SECTION 6: DELIVERING THE STRATEGY

Securing additional pitch provision through development

6.1 A key output from the Playing Pitch Strategy is securing pitch provision through development. This can include on-site provision through master planning and planning obligations and securing developers contributions to off-site provision. These contributions can be secured through s106, or in the future may be via CIL.

6.2 EHC will be seeking contributions via section 106, but it will be necessary to meet the three tests set out in CIL reg. 122 and NPPF para 204:

 Necessary to make the development acceptable in planning terms.

 Directly related to the development

 Fairly and reasonably related in scale and kind to the development

6.3 It will therefore be important to ensure that any obligations sought are based on a tailored approach to each development, using the Playing Pitch Strategy’s evidence base (and/or other robust up-to-date planning policy) to justify the needs arising from the development and how these are to be met. A proactive approach should be taken to the use of planning obligations in the context of the current pooling restrictions (i.e. as far as is practical matching specific developments to identified projects). This could be through an approved site master-plan, Development Briefs in the Local Plan, a Planning Obligations SPD, or other policy approach, where these are appropriate to the proposed development.

Assessing whether contributions are justified

6.4 The steps include:

 Identifying the development’s expected population.

 Assessing the demand from the development, based on the additional population, for different pitch types. This may, where appropriate, include the use of the Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator, or other robust methods which help identify demand and identify costs.

 Identifying if the demand can be met by existing pitches (where these have a sufficient capacity, are accessible, and acceptable quality).

 If the demand cannot be met by existing pitches, then use the local evidence base and/or consult with relevant stakeholders the best approach to meeting these needs.

184

 Identifying the costs of the new or extended facility, or other quality improvements to increase an existing pitches’ capacity.

 Applying the costs proportionate to the development’s population.

6.5 Although the population of a single development (e.g. on a small site or an individual stage of a larger site) may not in itself generate the needs for a full pitch, it will still generate additional demand which should be quantified and be met.

6.6 The Team Generation Rates identified in the individual sports sections above should be used as the basis for calculating the additional pitch needs arising from individual developments and these should be used in conjunction with Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator, or other robust methods which help identify costs.

Policy for contributions

6.7 Planning policy should ensure that provision of justified pitches and related changing and parking facilities is delivered, either on-site, or off-site. The cost for maintenance should be sought for both on-site and off-site provision, unless it can reasonably be argued that normal operational income should cover this. Where appropriate, for example ‘3G’ football turf pitches where the carpet will require periodic replacement, costs towards a sinking fund and for land purchase should also be sought.

6.8 Given the close inter-relationship with the neighbouring areas of Harlow, Stevenage and Welwyn Hatfield, there will be instances where financial contributions should be made on a cross-boundary basis, where this is the most appropriate way of meeting respective needs. This might include developer contributions from within East Herts to fund rugby and hockey pitch provision in particular in adjacent districts, but also contributions from neighbouring areas to fund facilities in East Herts, especially a hockey pitch as part of the Gilston development, that will serve all of Harlow’s needs.

6.9 Where a pitch or pitches are required on-site, this may include requiring delivery through a planning policy and a masterplan approach for the whole area. This can ensure that enough suitable land is planned from the outset, and provided at no cost. This is particularly important where there is a need for a large land-take associated with pitches.

6.10 Planning policy should seek to ensure that where sites are developed in phases or through multiple applications, and where the pitch provision is required on-site, that this provision is co-ordinated and delivered by the landowners/developers. In some circumstances, a single site for pitches serving all the development or all its phases can be required.

185

6.11 The timing and delivery of the pitches and related changing and parking facilities should be considered in relation to development phasing to achieve a balance between ensuring provision is in place in time to meet the needs of the residents, avoiding pressure being placed on existing facilities, and the financial viability of the development.

6.12 Where there are separate developments in close proximity that taken together generate a need for a whole pitch, contributions need to be made towards new provision or improving, existing pitches. For new pitches, the planning policy therefore also needs to identify where that pitch and related changing and parking facilities are to be located, how sufficient land is to be secured, and (where known) the individual developments that need to contribute to it. This also applies to where there is a need for a larger strategic site serving a large catchment. This may require the developers to provide the land on-site or for the local planning authority to identify the land through the Local Plan process.

6.13 Where there is an assessed deficit in the provision of a pitch type and there is an existing pitch with appropriate community access that could potentially meet the demands generated by the development but it needs to be upgraded or extended, then contributions may be sought towards such improvements. Contributions need to meet the CIL tests, and should not exceed or cover what could reasonably be expected to be paid for by normal operational income. The operator (including a school or a club) will need to be supportive of this and comfortable with the timescales for payment of contributions. There should be flexibility in the allocation of such a contribution in case the improvement or provision at such a pitch becomes implemented through other funding sources ahead of the time the contribution is due to be paid. If appropriate, the wording of the planning obligation/contribution should allow for the monies to be paid to an appropriate alternative pitch (where this is still justified and CIL compliant).

6.14 Suitable land needs to be provided by developments:

 Where the investment need is for a new pitch and related changing and parking facilities to meet the demand directly generated by the population of the new development(s), then the developer is expected to meet all these costs. These include provision, maintenance and land costs.

 Where the demand is for the majority (50% or more) of a pitch and related changing and parking facilities, that is to be provided on site, suitable land will be provided by the developer at no cost, as well as the population-related proportion of the cost of the pitch.

 Where the demand is for less than 50% of a pitch and related changing and parking facilities, that is to be provided on-site, then suitable land needs to be planned into the development, however only a proportionate amount of this land will be provided for free and the remainder will need to be funded from other sources (e.g. from pooled contributions from other developments, from grants or other sources).

186

 Where the land cannot be provided for on-site because of proven master- planning constraints, financial viability or other relevant reasons, then the local authority may negotiate an appropriate alternative contribution, where this is CIL compliant.

6.15 In all cases, there may be reasons for the Council to choose to be flexible in how it applies these policies (e.g. where the need is for part of a facility the Council may require all the land but not ask for a contribution to its provision or maintenance). So long as this fits into wider planned approach to ensure deliverability and is CIL compliant.

Identifying the appropriate provision for contributions

6.16 Contributions need to be CIL Reg 122 compliant.

6.17 The pitches and related changing and parking facilities need to be identified in the Action Plan of this strategy.

6.18 Where there is flexibility, and where pooling restrictions may be a consideration, larger developments may be better targeted for certain contributions than smaller developments, so as to better deliver identified community priorities.

6.19 To ensure that a contribution can be delivered, there needs to be a realistic timescale for delivering the residential development and the playing pitch project, and a reasonable chance that any shortfall in the funding of the facility can be found from other sources.

6.20 Consideration should be given to including a clause in a planning obligation agreement to provide for alternative CIL compliant pitches to cater for unforeseen circumstances, particularly where they might be some uncertainty in securing the delivery of the preferred facility.

Calculating contributions

6.21 The Team Generation Rates identified in the individual sports sections above should be used as the basis for calculating the extra demand and related additional pitch needs arising from individual developments. These have been applied through a worked example of Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator in Appendix A, to illustrate how developer contributions might be assessed.

6.22 To calculate the scale of a developer’s financial contribution for the provision of pitches and related facilities the following should be used:

 Sport England’s Playing Pitch Calculator, where available, should be used to assess pitch and related facilities needs arising from specific developments.

187

 If the Calculator (which is currently in development) is not available, then Sport England’s latest facility costs for pitches and related facilities should be used, in conjunction with the Team Generation Rates arising from specific developments.

 Where there are robust and up-to-date local pitch and related facility costs, then these may be used instead, particularly where the project is to enhance the existing facility provision.  The cost of maintenance and sinking funds, where justified, should be calculated using Sport England or NGB costs advice notes; or where there is known robust local cost, this may be used in preference.

 When a land cost is justified, this cost will be based on the local market cost for the relevant sport/leisure land use.

 In addition to the costs identified above there may be a need to add the cost of other local and site-specific costs (e.g. abnormal ground conditions, site access needs, landscaping, acoustic fencing etc).

 Maintenance and sinking costs can be sought and Sport England’s ‘Lifecycle Costs’ (Sport England, 2017) information provide what percentage of the capital value should be used as a guide.

 If the application is based on the maintenance (and any replacement) that is to be funded by a development’s site management company or similar, this should be in perpetuity.

 Where known, if the NGB given costs or known local maintenance costs are lower than Sport England’s costs, then these figures will normally be used as an alternative.

 All costs should date related and inflation needs to be taken into account (e.g. if a facility is to be delivered in 3 years’ time the planning condition must apply an appropriate inflation index, such as Spons Building Costs Indices).

Reviewing and monitoring the Playing Pitch Strategy

6.23 Sport England’s PPS guidance includes a Stage E, which involves delivering the strategy and keeping it robust and up-to-date.

6.24 The success of a PPS will be determined by how it is used. While the use of the PPS should be led by the local authority, its application and delivery should be the responsibility of the project steering group. The PPS has a number of applications:

 Sports Development Planning: The PPS can be applied to help:

188

- Highlight, justify and make the case for sports development activities with particular sports, groups and clubs and in particular areas.

- Identify current and future trends and changes in the demand for pitch sports and how they are played.

- Inform the work, strategies and plans of sporting organisations active in the area including NGBs. - Advocate the need to work with specific educational establishments to secure community use of their site(s).

- Develop and/or enhance school club links by making the best use of school sites where they have spare capacity and are well located to meet demand.

 Planning Policy: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Develop new, and review the effectiveness of existing, local planning policy (e.g. Local and Neighbourhood Plans) in line with paragraph 73 of the Government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

- The implementation of local planning policy to meet the needs of the community in line with paragraph 74 of the NPPF.

 Planning Applications: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Inform the development of planning applications which affect existing and/or propose new pitch provision.

- Inform pre-application discussions to ensure any subsequent planning applications maximise their benefit to pitch sports and are developed in line with national (e.g. NPPF paragraph 74) and local planning policy.

- Sports clubs and other organisations provide the strategic need for development proposals thereby potentially adding support to their application(s) and saving them resources in developing such evidence.

- Local Planning Authorities and others assess planning applications affecting existing and/or proposing new playing pitch provision in line with national (e.g. NPPF paragraph 74) and local planning policy.

- Sport England and other parties respond to relevant planning application consultations.

 The PPS can also be applied to help Local Planning Authorities, planning policies, applications and decisions meet other relevant requirements of the NPPF including:

189

- Taking account of and supporting local strategies to improve health, social and cultural wellbeing for all, and deliver sufficient community and cultural facilities and services to meet local needs (NPPF paragraph 17 - Core Planning Principles).

- Delivering the social, recreational, cultural facilities and services the community needs (NPPF paragraph 70).

- Planning positively for the development and infrastructure required in the area to meet the objectives, principles and policies of the framework (NPPF paragraph 157).

- Working with public health leads and health organisations to understand and take account of the health status and needs of the local population, including expected future changes, and any information about relevant barriers to improving health and well-being (NPPF paragraph 171).

 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL): The PPS can be applied to help:

- Advocate the need for playing pitch provision to be taken into account when a local authority is developing and/or reviewing an approach to the CIL (Charging Schedule and Infrastructure Delivery Plan) and the wider benefits of doing so (e.g. improving health and wellbeing).

- Provide prioritised infrastructure requirements for playing pitch provision including deliverable sport, area and site-specific projects with costings (where known).

 Funding Bids: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Provide the evidence base and strategic need to support funding bids by a range of parties to a variety of potential funding sources.

- Inform potential bidders of the likely strategic need for their project.

 Facility and Asset Management: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Ensure a strategic approach is taken to the provision and management of pitches.

- Inform the current management, strategies and plans of pitch providers e.g. Local Authorities (within the study area and neighbouring areas), Leisure Trusts and educational establishments.

- Share knowledge of how sites are managed and maintained, the lessons learnt and good practice.

190

- Highlight the potential of asset transfers and ensure any proposed are beneficial to all parties.

- Provide additional protection for particular sites over and above planning policy, for example through deeds of dedication.

- Resolve issues around security of tenure.

 Public Health: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Understand how the community currently participates in pitch sports, the need for playing pitches and how this may evolve.

- Raise awareness of and tackle any barriers to people maintaining and increasing their participation.

- Highlight and address any inequalities of access to provision within the study area.

- Provide evidence to help support wider health and well-being initiatives.

 Co-ordinating Resources and Investment: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Raise awareness of the current resources and investment (revenue and capital) going into the management, maintenance and improvement of playing pitch provision.

- Co-ordinate the current and any future resources and investment to ensure the maximum benefit to sport and that value for money is secured.

- Ensure the current and any future resources and investment are complimentary and do not result in their inefficient use.

 Capital Programmes: The PPS can be applied to help:

- Provide the evidence base to justify the protection and investment in playing pitch provision.

- Influence the development and implementation of relevant capital programmes (e.g. school refurbishment and new build programmes).

6.25 Monitoring delivery: A process should be put in place to ensure regular monitoring of how the recommendations and action plan are being delivered. This monitoring should be led by the local authority and supported by all members of, and reported back to, the steering group. Understanding and learning lessons from how the PPS has been applied should also form a key component of monitoring its delivery. As presented in Step 10 this should form an ongoing role of the steering group.

191

Keeping the strategy robust and up-to-date

6.26 Along with ensuring that the PPS is used and applied, a process should be put in place to keep it robust and up to date. This will expand the life of the PPS providing people with the confidence to continue to both use it and attach significant value and weight to its key findings and issues, along with its recommendations and actions.

6.27 Sport England advocates that the PPS should be reviewed on an annual basis from the date it is formally signed off by the steering group. This will help to maintain the momentum and commitment built up when developing the PPS. Taking into account the time to develop the PPS this should also help to ensure that the original supply and demand information is no more than two years old without being reviewed.

6.28 The annual review should highlight:

 How the delivery of the recommendations and action plan has progressed and any changes required to the priority afforded to each action (e.g. the priority of some may increase following the delivery of others).

 How the PPS has been applied and the lessons learnt.

 Any changes to particularly important sites and/or clubs in the area (e.g. the most used or high-quality sites for a particular sport) and other supply and demand information, what this may mean for the overall assessment work and the key findings and issues.

 Any development of a specific sport or particular format of a sport.

 Any new or emerging issues and opportunities.

Strategy implementation

6.29 To support the delivery of the actions in all the sport-specific chapters, East Herts Council in consultation with stakeholders should prepare a short-term action plan identifying priorities and actions for year one of the strategy delivery. The action plans in the PPS provide a long list of prioritised actions, but many will not be applicable, appropriate or manageable to deliver initially. This is the first stage of delivering the PPS and essential that this is undertaken as this initiates the delivery and provides momentum following completion of the work.

192

APPENDIX A: WORKED EXAMPLE OF SPORT ENGLAND’S PLAYING PITCH CALCULATOR FOR EAST HERTS

The Sport England Playing Pitch Calculator uses information from the East Herts playing pitch strategy assessment work to help estimate the demand for pitches that may be generated from a new population.

The calculator is based on a template provided by Sport England and can be used in two ways:

1) To estimate the demand from population growth within a given area so it can be fed into the development of a playing pitch strategy (e.g. to help assess how the demand from future population growth can be met to aid scenario testing and development of the strategy recommendations and action plan).

2) To estimate the demand from proposed developments after a playing pitch strategy has been completed (e.g. to aid assessment and discussion at the pre-application and planning application stages for proposed residential developments).

In line with Sport England's playing pitch strategy guidance the calculator estimates demand in match equivalent sessions.

The user should look at the results alongside the playing pitch strategy assessment work, and relevant strategy recommendations and actions, to determine the most appropriate way of meeting the estimated demand.

It may be decided that the estimated demand should be met by the creation of new playing pitches on new sites. If this is the case then the calculator also provides an estimation of the number of pitches this may require along with associated indicative costs.

PART 1: First of all the calculator needs to know the following: East (Select from list of local 1. The name of your local authority Answer = Herts authorities in the box) 2. The total population of your local authority Answer = 145,872

3. The new population you want to estimate Answer = 33,686 the demand for (e.g. the additional population in an area or from a single development)

Go to PART 2: Now the calculator needs some data from your 'PPS

PPS work Data'

sheet

193

people will PART 3: Using the data from Parts 1&2, the calculator East 33,686 generate a suggests that within Herts demand for:

match equivalent sessions a Adult football of 17.33 week during the peak period match equivalent sessions a Youth football of 22.05 week during the peak period match equivalent sessions a Mini soccer of 19.84 week during the peak period

match equivalent sessions a Rugby Union of 8.01 week during the peak period match equivalent sessions a Rugby League of 0.00 week during the peak period

match equivalent sessions a Hockey of 5.60 week during the peak period

match equivalent sessions a Cricket of 245.12 year

PART 4: You should now use your PPS work to determine the most appropriate way of meeting the demand. To do so you should look at the location of the new population entered in Part 1 (e.g. the location of the development site) alongside the results of your PPS assessment work. This will enable you to understand the nature of the current playing pitch sites within an appropriate catchment of the new population and the issues in the area. This may lead to suggestions of one or more ways of meeting the estimated demand, such as: a. enhancing existing pitches to increase their capacity and ensure adequate maintenance to maintain the higher level of use b. securing greater community access to currently restricted provision and undertaking necessary works to allow such use to occur (e.g. enhanced changing provision) c. providing new playing pitches on new sites (natural or artificial grass pitches).

If may be decided that the demand should be met by the creation of new natural turf playing pitches on new sites for all sports, except hockey for which artificial grass pitches should be provided. If this is the case then Part 5 of the calculator provides an estimation of the number of new pitches that would be required to meet the match equivalent sessions presented in Part 3. Part 5 also presents an estimate of the associated costs for providing these new pitches. Please note that these are indicative costs only and appropriate local work should be undertaken to determine the true costs of any new pitches. When deciding upon the most appropriate way of meeting the demand regard should be had to the Government's regulations and guidance regarding the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and the use planning obligations (e.g. the three tests and pooling restrictions). Link here to CIL section of the

Government's Planning Practice Guidance.

194

PART 5: If the demand presented in Part 3 is to be met by new playing pitches on new sites then the calculator suggests its equates to a need for:

pitches at a and a total life A total of 74.04 capital cost £7,240,223 cycle cost (per £1,237,522

of annum) of

Breaking down the above total figures across the different sports suggest a need for:

pitches at a and a total life Adult Football of 17.33 capital cost £1,561,620 cycle cost (per £310,779

of annum) of pitches at a and a total life Youth Football of 22.05 capital cost £1,636,137 cycle cost (per £324,140

of annum) of pitches at a and a total life Mini Soccer of 19.84 capital cost £420,674 cycle cost (per £83,341

of annum) of

pitches at a and a total life Rugby Union of 8.01 capital cost £976,990 cycle cost (per £197,241

of annum) of pitches at a and a total life Rugby League of 0.00 capital cost £0 cycle cost (per £0

of annum) of

pitches at a and a total life Hockey of 1.40 capital cost £1,128,547 cycle cost (per £33,005

of annum) of

pitches at a and a total life Cricket of 5.40 capital cost £1,516,615 cycle cost (per £289.015

of annum) of

Source of costs: Capital Cost - Sport England Facilities Costs Second Quarter 2016 Lifecycle Costs - Sport England Life Cycle Costs Natural Turf Pitches and Artificial Surfaces April 2012

195